A  R  B  O  N 


W1LDIE  THAYER 


CARBON 


WILDIE  THAYER 

Author  of    "  First  Poems/'    "  Morning  Glory/' 
"  Violilla,"  etc. 


BOSTON,  MASS.  : 

MORNING  STAR  PUBLISHING  HOUSE 
1903 


o 


COPYRIGHT,  1903. 
BY  WILDIE  THAYER. 


PREFACE. 


In  its  purest  crystallized  state,  carbon  becomes  the  dia 
mond. 

What  particular  conditions  had  to  be  fulfilled  to  crystal 
lize  the  carbon  is  not  known,  but  certain  it  is  the  process 
was  exceedingly  gradual. 

There  may  not  be  a  line  in  this  book  which  will  exist 
long  enough  to  crystallize  in  the  human  heart  as  a  dia 
mond,  but  as  carbon  is  commonly  mentioned  as  the  mean 
est  of  elements  I  have  presumed  to  name  these  verses 
"Carbon." 

WILDIE  THAYER. 

Lowell,  £Mass.,Jum  24,  1903. 


M191914 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

Palace  of  Dreams      ....  i 

Are  You  My  Friend?              ...  3 

Mysteries   .  4 

The  Singers              ....  5 

The  River  of  Tears  ....  6 

Gleams      .                 ....  7 

Walking  on  the  Sea                •  8 

Angels       ....  9 

Hidden       .                ....  10 

Sunshine  and  Shower             .              .              .  n 

Undisguised              .              .              .              .  13 

Revealment               ....  17 

Worry        .....  19 

Forbidden  Love        ...  20 

The  Bee  and  the  Butterfly     ...  22 

The  Heart's  Plea      .  24 

Moral  Wounds         ....  25 

A  Letter  to  the  Birds             ...  26 

Anemone    .....  27 

Despair      ...  28 

Dream  on    .               .               .               .               .  29 

The  Awakening        ...  30 

Motherless                .              .              .              .  31 

The  Rose  and  the  Breeze        -  32 

Pussy-Willow            •  33 

Soul  Beauty              ...  34 

Labor           ....  35 

Transformation  36 

The  Lone  Dreamer  .  37 

Voices  of  the  Lights             ...  38 

Heedlessness             ...  42 


CONTENTS. 


Indian  Summer  43 

Children,  Remember  46 

Nature's  Church      .  47 

The  Message  of  the  Bells      .  49 

Love  •                 50 

Song  of  Nature's  Child  •               •                 51 

The  Skeptic  53 

The  Organ  Pumper  .  54 

The  Angel  of  Shadow-Land  .  56 

Christmas  .  •                57 

Life's  Day  .  58 

Light-hearted  ?  62 

To  L—  .                              63 

Easter  64 

One  Comfort  •                 65 

Chronita     .  •                66 

Go  On        .  74 

I.  H.S.        .  75 

Lady  of  Leisure       •  •                77 

The  White  Rose       .  78 

Now  Be       .  79 

My  Friend  .  •                              80 

Give  Us  This  Day  Our  Daily  Bread  .  82 

My  Bank  Account    ....  83 

Be  Like  Flowers      .  •                84 

Sing  of  Cheer          ....  86 

God's  Thank  You    .  .                              87 

The  Suicide              ....  88 

The  Rainbow  of  Babyland    .  89 

Fairy  Weavers  •                              9° 

Union  91 

The  Trees    .  92 

The  Minister  Coming  to  Dinner  .              •                93 

The  Ideal     .  95 

Weary         .....  96 

Lucy  •                               97 

Marriage     ...  •               100 


CONTENTS.  vii 


Childhood  .....  IOI 

A  Plea  for  the  Flowers          .              .              .  I0^ 

The    Forest   Genius  ....  104 

Woodland    Whispers             .              .  I05 

A  Shadow  .....  I06 

Moonbeam  Fancies  ....  I07 

Pursued       .  Io8 

Infidelity      .....  IO9 

Lurline        .                                          •              .  no 

The  Only  Death       .               .               .               .  m 

Baccalaureate    Hymn             .              .              .  II2 

The  Message             .              .              ,              .  u^ 

Mountain    and   Sea  Air                       .              .  II4 

John  and  Mabel       .              .              .              .  ric 

Ragged  Betsey                       .  II(5 

Brotherhood              .              .              .              .  ng 

My  Good-night  Psalm            .              .              .  II9 

An  Image    .....  I2I 

Lily  of  the  Valley     .               .               ...  I22 

Silent  Voices             ....  I23 

Gentleness  .....  I24 

My  Angel     .....  I25 

My  Life's  Pure  River             ...  I27 

His  Likeness             •              •              •               •  128 

Prayer                                                                    .  I3o 

Sea  of  Thought        .              .              .              .  I^I 

The  Beautiful  Garden            .              .              .  I32 

A  Dream     .              .              .              .              .  I:?, 

May  3oth     .               .              .               .               .  j^ 

Keep  Your  Hearts  Whole       .              .              .  I36 

In  Heaven  .              .              .              .              ,  I3- 

Fragments  .              .               .               .               .  I3g 
To  the  Reader          .... 


PALACE  OF  DREAMS'. 


Sometimes,  though  I  eagerly  listen, 

1  catch  not  an  echo  or  chime  ; 
And  again  a  chorus  of  angels 

Will  sing  a  whole  song  at  a  time. 

1  have  told  all  I  can  of  the  secret 

How  the  sweet  light  of  poesy  gleams. 

Ah,  you  followed  me  not  through  the  dungeon  ! 
I'm  alone  in  my  palace  of  dreams. 


ARE  YOU  MY  FRIEND? 


^re   YOU 

My  friend  you  claim  to  be. 
Let  me  tell  you  what  to  me 

Friend  implies  : 

Friendship  has  no  fear  of  death  ; 
Friendship  true  which  breathes  with  breath, 

Never  dies. 

Though  to  lowest  depths  I  fall, 
Though  I  lose  my  soul,  my  all, 

And  descend 

To  the  vilest  pits  of  shame, 
Yet  beside  me,  to  reclaim, 

Is  my  friend. 

Should  I  rise  to  heights  of  fame, 
Would  your  friendship  be  the  same, — 

Nothing  more  ? 
Should  I  fall  to  deepest  hell, 
Would  you  love  me  just  as  well 

As  before  ? 

Friendship  is  a  wondrous  art, 
Only  mastered  by  the  heart, 

Learned  by  few. 
Are  you,  then,  a  friend  to  me  ? 
Will  your  friendship  constant  be, 

Sure  and  true  ? 


MYSTERIES. 


TVUfsteries. 

Can  you  understand  the  whisper 
In  the  deep  heart  of  the  shell  ? 

Can  you  hear  the  silent  ringing 
Of  the  tiny  flower  bell  ? 

Can  you  tell  me  what  the  breezes 
Whisper  in  the  lonely  night  ? 

Can  you  see  the  magic  fingers 
Painting  flower  colors  bright  ? 

Can  you  tell  me  how  the  sunlight 
Bids  the  darkness  flee  away  ? 

And  explain  why  shadows  lengthen 
At  the  closing  of  the  day  ? 

Do  you  know  how  beauty  entered 
In  the  heart  of  everything  ? 

Can  you  sound  the  notes  of  music 
Which  the  common  song-birds  sing  ? 

Do  you  know  why  life  and  living 
Should  be  given  you  to  give  ? 

Can  you  search  one  single  mystery 
In  the  world  in  which  you  live  ? 


THE  SINGERS. 


gingers. 


The  choir  sang  the  love  of  our  Father, 
In  a  wailing  and  solemn  refrain  ; 

Their  voices  were  chiming  together 
The  sorrow  they  could  not  restrain. 

I  thought  as  I  passed  from  the  service 
"  Ah,  life  is  all  anguish  and  pain  !  " 

Away  from  the  church  and  the  singers, 

Far  into  the  forest  I  went, 
Where  the  birds  sang  the  love  of  our  Father 

With  a  cheerful  and  hearty  consent. 
"  Ah,  life  is  so  sweet  !  "  I  responded, 

"  Ah,  life  is  all  peace  and  content  !  " 


THE  RIVER  OF  TEARS. 


River   of 


There's  a  beautiful  river  of  gladness, 

Of  a  mirror*like,  silvery  sheen, 
Where  never  a  ripple  of  sadness 

Or  a  shadow  of  trouble  is  seen. 
In  heaven,  resplendent  with  glory, 

All  sparkling  and  bright  it  appears, 
And  it  murmurs  a  wonderful  story  — 

This  earth-formed  river  of  tears. 


GLEAMS. 


(^learns. 

Loving  smiles  like  brightest  sunbeams 
O'er  life's  darkest  shadows  gleam  ; 

Loving  words  are  water  lilies 

Blooming  on  life's  troubled  stream  ; 

Loving  thoughts  are  angel  whispers  ; 
Loving  deeds  will  souls  redeem. 


WALKING  ON  THE  SEA. 


g   on   the    gea. 

(TO   ELGIE.) 


Venture  on  your  sea  of  trouble, 
Let  not  burdens  bear  you  down  ; 

He  who  rules  the  sea  will  guide  you, 
He  will  never  let  you  drown. 

Stretch  your  feeble  hands  to  Jesus, 
For  his  arms  are  reaching  out, 

Waiting,  longing  to  protect  you, 

Wherefore,  wherefore  will  you  doubt  ? 

By  a  word  he  calms  the  waters  ; 

Trust  in  him  and  fearless  be. 
God  be  praised,  by  faith  you're  standing. 

You  can  walk  upon  the  sea. 


ANGELS. 


Rngels. 

Where'er  a  weary  mother 

Is  praying  for  her  child, 
Where'er  a  strong  temptation 

Leaves  pure  souls  undefiled, 
Where'er  the  hope  of  heaven 

Is  shining  through  despair, 
Where'er  the  Christ-love  blesses, 

An  angel  whispers  there. 

Where'er  for  love  of  Jesus 

One  little  word  is  said, 
Where'er  with  tender  sympathy 

A  heart  is  comforted, 
Where'er  the  Holy  Spirit 

A  sleeping  soul  has  stirred, 
Where'er  a  heart  is  listening, 

An  angel's  voice  is  heard. 


HIDDEN. 


Bidden. 

Many  a  face  with  smiles  enlightened, 
Many  a  soft  and  flattering  tone, 

Keeps  from  sight  a  lurking  darkness, 
Hides  from  view  a  heart  of  stone. 

Many  a  face  with  sorrow  darkened, 
Many  a  garment  worn  and  old, 

Keeps  from  sight  an  inner  brightness, 
Hides  from  view  a  heart  of  gold. 


SUNSHINE  AND  SHOWER. 


Sunshine    and    S^ovv>er» 

As  Sunshine  descended,  resplendent  with  power, 
He  met  his  poor  brother,  unfortunate  Shower. 

"  Well,  Sunshine,"  said  Shower,  "  'tis  a  horrible 

day." 
"Fine  weather,  indeed,"  Sunshine  hastened  to 

say. 

"Ah,  no,"  growled   Shower,  "there's  a  damp, 

cold  breeze. 
All  things  are  uncomfortable  ;  look  at  those  trees  ! 

"Their   branches  are  leafless,  a  most  wretched 

sight." 
Then  Sunshine  made  answer,  "  Their  branches 

unite. 

"  They  rest  from  their  labor,  united  in  love, 
And  with  bare  arms  uplifted  seek  heaven  above. 

"Each  tree,  my  dear  brother,  more  sunlight  re 
ceives 

Than  when,  earth-encumbered,  it  struggled  with 
leaves." 


SUNSHINE  AND  SHOWER. 


"  Just  hear  that  brook  growling!  "  said  Shower, 

with  a  sigh. 
" 'Tis   singing,"   was   bright   Sunshine's    ready 

reply. 

"I'll    hasten,"   said   Shower,    "to  fall    on   the 

world." 
"By  my  smile,"  said   Sunshine,  "you  will  be 

impearled." 


UNDISGUISED. 


Undisguised. 

"  Go  back,  most  awful  guest ; 
Go,  with  thy  chilling  rest, 
Which  curdles  in  my  breast, 

At  every  thought. 
Life  holds  me  with  its  charm. 
Take  back  thy  deadly  arm, 
I  freeze,  with  fierce  alarm. 

Embrace  me  not." 

Then  Death,  with  sorrow  said, 

"  While  in  life's  strength  you  tread, 

You  fear  a  body  dead, 

Nor  look  above. 
But  ere  the  mortal  dies, 
Before  the  spirit  flies, 
I  lay  off  my  disguise, 

And  win  the  love." 

Death  spoke,  then  calmly  smiled  - 
The  smile  my  heart  beguiled, 
'Twas  thrilling,  winning,  mild. 

"  Speak  on/'  I  cried, 
"  And  tell  me  all  thou  art. 
Do  not  with  haste  depart, 
Your  smile  lias  won  my  heart." 

Then  Death  replied  : 


UNDISGUISED. 


"  How  often,  when  alone, 
You  long  to  meet  your  own, 
You  hear  an  undertone 

It  almost  seems. 
In  ecstasy  complete, 
You  hold  communion  sweet, 
Chide  not  your  heart's  loud  beat, 

These  are  not  dreams. 

"  The  body  thee  restrains, 
Thou  art  held  by  fleshly  chains. 
Earth  checks  thee,  'tis  earth's  reins 

That  wound  the  heart. 
While  in  the  body  bound, 
No  freedom  can  be  found, 
Till  laid  beneath  the  ground, 

Enslaved  thou  art. 

11  The  vague,  forgotten  dreams, 
The  shadowy  light  which  gleams, 
The  truth  that  almost  beams, 

Comes  not  below. 
The  eyes  you  never  meet, 
The  hands  you  almost  greet, 
Till  heart  shall  cease  to  beat, 

Thou  canst  not  know. 

"  1  now  must  soar  above, 
1  long  to  win  thy  love. 
1Y.KV.  like  a  gentle  dove, 
I'll  bring  to  thee. 


UNDISGUISED. 


1  take  away  the  weight, 
I  glorify  thy  fate, 
I  open  wide  the  gate, 
And  set  thee  free. 


"  Farewell,  dear  heart,  believe 
I'll  come  again  at  eve. 
Be  ready  to  receive 

A  heavenly  breath." 
"  O  stay,  stay,  must  thou  go  ? 
And  leave  me  longing  so 
Eternal  bliss  to  know  ! 

Come  quickly,  Death." 


When  o'er  my  grave  you  tread, 
Think  not  that  I  am  dead, 
That  in  an  earthly  bed, 

My  spirit  lies. 
Escaped  from  mortal  clay, 
It  flew  away  —  away  — 
And  soars  through  endless  day, 

And  never  dies. 

Death  holds  the  life  I  crave, 
So  let  the  wild  winds  rave, 
But  plant  above  my  grave 
Sweet  violets  white. 


UNDISGUISED. 


And  on  the  marble  stead 
Which  towers  above  my  head, 
To  mark  my  earthly  bed, 
This  message  write : 

To  rest  ordained  of  God, 
Through  gates  of  goldenrod, 
Beneath  an  earthly  sod, 

My  body  lies. 
In  realms  of  living  light, 
Through  gates  of  pearly  white, 
O'er  mansions  of  delight, 

My  spirit  flies. 


REVEALMENT. 


Reuealment. 

From  the  shadows  of  night  dawned  the  glorious 
morning, 

And  with  the  first  sunbeams  there  came 
A  beautiful  angel,  who  passed  by  earth's  children 

And  called  to  each  sleeper  by  name. 
Called  tenderly,  gently  :  "  Arise,  it  is  morning  ; 

Come,  hasten,  my  mandate  obey  : 
Gaze  long  on  my  beauty,  go  forth  to  your  duty, 

My  presence  to  others  display." 

The    sweet    angel    vanished    on    wings   of    the 
shadows ; 

Earth's  children  now  sought  him  in  vain  ; 
Yet  the  vision  of  beauty,  the  message  of  duty, 

In  memory  must  ever  remain. 
And  one  journeyed  deep  in  earth's  dark,  stony 
chasms, 

With  eagerness,  hopeful,  alone ; 
Until  he  with  wonderful,  matchless  perfection 

Expressed  that  sweet  angel  in  stone. 

And  one  heard  the  message  and  earnestly  labored 

To  obey  the  bright  angel's  request. 
And  at  last  with  heavenly  colors  of  glory 

The  angel  on  canvas  expressed. 
Another  just  told  the  sweet,  beautiful  story 

In  accents  both  simple  and  true, 
How  the   angel   came  down   and   whispered  the 
bidding, 

And  then  disappeared  from  view. 


18  REVEALMENT. 


There   were    those   who   had   heard    who   were 
ready  and  eager 

To  reveal  the  fair  angel  of  light ; 
In   the   commonplace    valley  they   lived    'neath 
love's  sunshine, 

Away  from  the  chill  of  the  height. 
And  there,  unseen  by  earth's  talented  children, 

Did  each  little  duty  each  day  ; 
Just  lived  each  moment  the  life  of  an  angel 

In  a  humble  and  beautiful  way. 


WORRY. 


Worry  not. 

Worry  never  did  or  could 
Do  a  single  mite  of  good. 

Worry  not. 

Dreary,  listless  lives  it  makes, 
Vital  force  it  always  takes, 
Many  a  living  heart  it  breaks. 

Worry  not. 


FORBIDDEN   LOVE. 


forbidden 

"  Love,  thou  art  an  intruder  and  so  we  must  part ; 

Thy  joys  are  forbidden  to  me, 
So  haste,  get  thee  hence,  leave  the  depths  of  my 
heart, 

And  in  pity,  I  pray,  let  me  be." 

Love  gazed  at  me  smiling.  I  hastened  away, 
But  his  presence  I  could  not  evade  ; 

In  my  shadow  he  rested,  there  did  he  delay  ; 
I  rebuked  him  in  joy,  yet  afraid. 

"  O  leave  me,"  1  cried,  "for  thy  presence  I  dread, 
We  must  now  and  eternally  part." 

Then  Love,  weeping  silently,  pleadingly  said, 
"  Let  me  die,  O  beloved,  in  thy  heart." 

So  I  buried  him  deep  and  I  felt  my  heart  break, 

So  silent  he  lay  that  I  said, 
"  He  is  slumbering  now,  he  will  never  awake, 

He  is  dead!"  I  cried,  "he  is  dead!" 

As  I  watched  by  my  Love  in  the  deepening  gloom, 

With  memories  tender,  unwise, 
A  whisper  I  heard  from  the  depths  of  the  tomb, 

"  I  shall  rise,"  it  said,  "  I  shall  rise." 

"  Thou  shalt  never  arise !"  I  rebelliously  cried, 
Though  my  heart  stood  still  at  its  fear, 

When  lo,  all  triumphant  Love  stood  at  my  side, 
"  I  am  here  !  "  he  cried,  "  I  am  here  !  " 


FORBIDDEN   LOVE. 


In  despair  then  I  cried,  "  I  will  force  thee  to  die. 

In  the  tomb  of  my  heart,  cold  and  dim, 
I  will  starve  thee  to  death,  athirst  thou  shalt  lie  !" 

And  there  did  I  imprison  him. 

Not  a  nourishing  comfort  or  joy  did  I  give, 
No  drink  of  my  deep-buried  tears. 

I  wonder  how  long  he  can  suffering  live ; 
He  has  been  there  for  many  long  years. 

But  I  heed  not  his  groaning,  his  woe,  or  his  wrong, 
Though  my  heart  ever  bleeds  at  his  cry. 

Oh,  it  takes  so  long  —  so  long  —  so  long  — 
For  a  starved  Love  to  die. 


THE  BEE  AND  THE  BUTTERFLY. 


ee   and   the 


One  day  a  bee  accosted 

A  shining  butterfly, 
And  said,  "  O  gorgeous  beauty, 

Pray,  do  not  pass  me  by." 
The  butterfly  stood  trembling, 

Expectant  and  aglow. 
The  bee  addressed  her  reverently 

With  murmur  soft  and  low  : 

"  O  bright-winged,  graceful  creature 

Come  nearer,  1  implore, 
Your  brilliancy  1  worship, 

Your  beauty  I  adore. 
I  love  you  dearly,  truly, 

Do  not  my  offer  spurn. 
Accept  my  heart,  dear  butterfly, 

And  give  yours  in  return." 

The  butterfly  responded  : 

"  Your  heart  concerning  me 
Amazingly  has  altered, 

My  flattering  Mr.  Bee. 
You  say  you  worship  beauty 

And  brilliancy  like  mine, 
But,  for  a  former  insult, 

Your  friendship  I  decline." 


THE   BEE  AND   THE   BUTTERFLY.  23 

Surprised,  the  bee  responded  : 

"  My  heart  could  never  change 
Concerning  you,  fair  charmer, 

Your  fancy,  dear,  is  strange. 
I'm  sure  you  are  in  error, 

But  tell  me  what  you  mean. 
I  never  could  have  slighted 

Such  a  graceful,  fairy  queen." 

Then,  spreading  out  her  golden  wings, 

The  gorgeous  butterfly 
Soared  over  humble  Mr.  Bee 

And  wafted  this  reply  : 
"  Ah,  too  well  I  remember, 

For,  listen,  Mr.  Bee : 
I  was  a  caterpillar 

When  you  insulted  me." 


THE  HEART'S  PLEA. 


f^eart's    Plea. 


If  I  were  lying  cold  and  dead, 
You  might  look  on  me  and  say, 

"  Dear  one,  I  loved  you,  and  I  grieve 
Because  you've  gone  away." 

But  Pm  not  dead,  and  I  long  for  love. 

I  wish  I  could  hear  you  say, 
"  Dear  one,  your  life  is  a  joy  to  me  ; 

I  am  glad  you  are  here  to-day." 


MORAL  WOUNDS. 


A  moral  wound  may  be  concealed 

And  in  the  heart  repose  ; 
Yet  think  not,  thou  immortal  soul, 

That  wound  will  ever  close. 
For  at  the  slightest,  lightest  touch, 

The  blood  afresh  will  start, 
With  torturing  pain  'twill  e'er  remain 

Deep,  open  in  the  heart. 


A  LETTER  TO  THE  BIRDS. 


&    Cetter  to   ffie    girds. 

Dear  little  messengers  of  joy, 

I  miss  you,  miss  you  so  ; 
'Tis  desolate  without  your  songs, 

Here  in  this  land  of  snow. 

Can  you  forget  the  cloud-drawn  days, 

The  lonely,  empty  nest ; 
The  leafless  trees,  the  chilling  breeze  ? 

Or  do  you  sing  your  best  ? 

I  know  the  southern  land  of  flowers 

Is  full  of  gladness,  yet 
1  fancy  in  your  songs  there  rings 

A  note  of  fond  regret. 

Dear  birds,  it  is  so  very  lone 
Without  your  songs  of  cheer. 

I  did  not  know  I  loved  you  so, 
When  1  your  songs  could  hear. 

Do  not  forget  me,  little  birds, 

Although  so  far  away. 
Come,  cheer  my  lonely,  saddened  heart. 

O,  hasten  back,  1  pray. 


ANEMONE. 


Anemone. 

Frail  little  floweret,  thee 
Out  in  the  tempest  I  find, 
Dear  little  child  of  the  wind, 
Anemone. 

Once  as  I  fled  in  despair 
Far  from  the  noise  of  the  street, 
Deep  in  thy  woodland  retreat, 
Floweret  fair, 

Prone  on  the  ground,  'neath  a  tree, 
Bitterly  weeping  I  lay  ; 
For  I  was  troubled  that  day, 
Anemone. 

But  as  I  rose  from  my  bed, 
Praying  my  Maker  for  death, 
Thou  didst  then  whisper  of  breath, 
Bowing  thy  head. 

Teaching  submission  to  me, 
Low  bent  thy  head  as  the  breeze 
Whispered  its  power  through  the  trees, 
Anemone. 


DESPAIR. 


O  to  just  close  my  eyes  in  sweet  slumber  to-night, 

And  forever  and  ever  to  sleep, 
Eternally  rest  in  a  dreamless  delight, 

In  a  silence,  unconscious  and  deep. 

For  I'm  weary,  I'm  weary,  so  weary  to-night, 
And  life  seems  one  heart-beat  of  pain ; 

I'm  weary  of  darkness,  and  weary  of  light, 
I'm  weary  of  sunlight  and  rain. 

O  to  wholly  forget  every  dream  of  the  deep, 

No  thought  of  the  present  to  take, 
No  memory  feel,  but  to  just  fall  asleep, 

And  never,  no  never,  awake. 


DREAM  ON.  2g 


Dream    on. 

Hope  on,  dream  on,  ambitious  soul, 
And  never  greet  despair. 

'Tis  better  to  build  castles, 
Than  dungeons,  in  the  air. 


THE  AWAKENING. 


'fbe 


He  comes,  the  air  seems  to  tremble, 
Then  rests  with  affectionate  hush, 

And  the  face  of  the  maiden  is  lighted 
With  sunset's  own  roseate  blush. 

She  raises  her  shy  eyes  in  welcome, 
Then  veils  them  again  from  his  sight 

His  face  is  the  sun  to  the  maiden,  — 
The  sunlight  is  dazzling  and  bright. 


Alone  in  the  moonlight  the  maiden 
Is  dreaming  of  days  that  are  past ; 

Of  the  clouds  of  love  that  have  vanished, 
Of  the  flickering  shadows  they  cast. 

She  is  learning  the  lesson  that  lingers, 
Which  only  the  truth  will  impart- 
Though  Cupid  oft  visits  the  fancy, 
He  only  once  blesses  the  heart. 

The  lover,  too,  muses  in  silence 

O'er  the  fancies  that  haunted  his  youth  ; 
He,  too,  counts  these  fancies  but  shadows 

In  the  light  of  love's  beautiful  truth. 


MOTHERLESS. 


TWotberless. 

Wistful  and  sad,  I  am  dreaming  alone, 
Longing  for  love  which  I  never  have  known, 
Craving  affection  which  ne'er  will  be  mine,— 
Mother  love,  whisper  of  God's  love  divine. 

When  with  the  cares  of  the  world  Pm  oppressed, 
O  for  a  mother  heart  calling  to  rest, 
Where  all  my  sorrows  and  woes  to  confide, 
Where  in  life's  storms  I  could  safely  abide. 

Hopes  disappoint,  even  lovers  grow  cold, 
Friends  oft  are  measured  by  kindness  and  gold, 
But  through  sorrow    and    pleasure,  through  sin, 

grief,  and  pain, 
True  mother  love  will  e'er  constant  remain. 

Mother,  come  clasp  me  in  love  to  your  heart  ; 
Let  me  my  soul's  inmost  secrets  impart, 
If  for  one  hour  on  your  breast  I  could  lie, 
Gladly  to  purchase  such  joy  I  would  die. 


32  THE   ROSE  AND  THE  BREEZE. 


Rose    and   the 

With  a  tender,  blushing  beauty, 
Which  no  other  bloom  could  claim, 

Pure  was  Rose,  and  sweet  and  gentle, 
When  the  Breeze  a-wooing  came. 

Modestly  she  bent  to  greet  him, 
While  he  murmured  sweet  and  low, 

While  he  praised  her  till  her  beauty 
Took  a  brighter,  deeper  glow. 

Soon  his  whispered,  tender  wooing 
Won  her  loving,  gentle  heart. 

All  her  lingering,  inner  sweetness 
Rose  did  to  the  Breeze  impart. 

So  he  watched  her  heart  unfolding 
All  its  fragrance  to  his  view ; 

Still  he  gently  whispered  to  her, 
Still  more  beautiful  she  grew. 

But  one  day  the  Breeze,  impatient, 
Roughly  whispered  to  his  bride  ; 

Then  her  tender  heart  was  broken, 
And  upon  his  breast  she  died. 

Still  the  Breeze  moans  for  his  darling, 
Daintiest,  purest  of  the  flowers. 

Have  you  never  heard  him.sighing 
In  the  lonely,  silent  hours  ? 


PUSSY-WILLOW. 


When  the  winter  snow  is  melting, 
And  the  balmy  breezes  stir, 

A  peculiar  little  creature 

Comes  all  dressed  in  warmest  fur. 

He's  the  queerest  little  fellow- 
Just  as  queer  as  he  can  be ; 

You  may  find  him  in  the  springtime 
Curled  upon  a  willow  tree. 

There  unselfishly  he  nestles, 

Warmly  clad,  until  he  sees 
There  will  be  no  harm  attending 

Other  flowers,  on  other  trees. 
For  the  weather  that  he  battles, 

Daintier  flowers  could  not  stand, 
So  they  wait  'till  he  assures  them 

That  the  summer  is  at  hand. 

Then  he  quietly  will  vanish, 

He  has  finished  his  career, 
And  his  furs  are  out  of  fashion, 

Flowers  stylish  must  appear. 
So  he  goes,  we  know  not  whither, 

And  we  know  not  whence  he  came, 
Little  messenger  unselfish,— 

Pussy-willow  is  his  name. 


SOUL  BEAUTY. 


§oul 


One  looked  upon  a  pictured  face, 

Saw  not  its  glory  rare  ; 
An  instant  gazed,  passed  on,  and  said, 

"I  see  no  beauty  there." 

Another  stood  in  rapturous  awe 

Before  that  pictured  face, 
And  silently  its  beauty  felt, 

Forgetting  time  and  place. 

One  looked  upon  a  living  face, 

Cared  not  to  look  again, 
Saw  not  the  beauty,  born  of  grace, 

Of  purity,  and  pain. 

Another  gazed,  and  gazed  again, 

And  saw  the  glory  shine 
Upon  that  living  face,  and  said, 

"  Its  beauty  is  divine." 


LABOR. 


Cabor. 

By  labor  was  the  universe  designed, 

By  labor  'tis  upheld,  by  labor  ruled. 

Christ  labored,  and  God's  richest  blessing  lies 

On  honest  toil,  his  curse  on  slavery. 

No  lighter  falls  his  curse  on  idleness. 

Labor  is  God-created,  made  for  man. 

Man  went  not  out  alone  from  Eden's  bower  ; 

The  soldier*  Courage,  and  the  angel,  Hope, 

Clasped  hand  in  hand  with  Labor,  followed  him. 

Call  that  not  ease  which  chills  the  heart  of  man 

To  worship  self  and  gold,  which  starves  the  soul, 

And  eats  the  fruits  of  slavery  and  shame, 

Makes  man  forget  his  duty,  and  forget 

That  God  is  Love  ;  but  call  it  discontent, 

Despair  and  degradation,  sin  and  death. 

Call  not  that  labor  which  debases  man 

And  makes  him  little  higher  than  the  beasts ; 

But  call  it  sacrilege,  profanity, 

World-greediness,  life-robbery,  soul-death. 

Labor  means  inspiration,  courage,  hope, 

Life,  truth,  and  soul-salvation.     Labor  is 

God's  priceless  gift  to  man, — his  heritage. 

Apart  from  labor,  man  is  courageless, 

Hopeless,  dethroned,  and  disinherited. 


TRANSFORMATION. 


transformation. 

The  stars,  cold  and  piercing, 

Impassively  stare 
With  a  cruel,  hard  glitter — 

No  sympathy  there. 

But  lo,  a  new  beauty 
Descends  from  above  ; 

And  the  stars,  sympathetic, 
Are  lighted  with  love. 


THE   LONE   DREAMER. 


done    Dreamer. 

See  where  he  sits  there  alone  in  his  room  ; 

Deep  is  the  silence  like  that  of  a  tomb. 

Dying  the  fire  ;  a  bright  flame  now  and  then 

Fitfully  gleams,  then  is  buried  again. 

Hark  !     'Tis  a  garment's  low  rustle  he  heard  ! 

No,  it  was  only  the  curtain  that  stirred, 

Moved  by  the  wind  which  is  whispering  low, 

Half  like  a  voice  that  he  knew  long  ago. 

Now  bows  his  head  on  his  hand ;  low  he  sighs  ; 

Meeting  his  own  are  two  dark,  dreamy  eyes  ; 

Tenderly  gaze  they,  inviting  to  rest ; 

Cool  on  his  forehead  soft  fingers  are  pressed. 

See,  how  he  starts  !     See  the  fitful  flames  gleam  ! 

Sadly  he  wakes  from  his  sweet,  wistful  dream. 

Out  from  his  lone  star  of  memory  and  pain, 

Gaily  he  moves  in  the  cold  world  again. 


VOICES  OF  THE  LIGHTS. 


of   the    Rights. 

Below  me  lies  the  city.     On  the  heights 
Alone  I  stand,  and  from  the  myriad  lights 
Below,  which  flash  and  shine  from  far  and  near 
Like  countless  tongues  of  fire,  I  seem  to  hear 
Their  flaming  voices  rise  as  they  impart 
Their  burning  secrets  to  my  listening  heart. 

Ah,  listen  to  that  piercing  steady  light 

Which  shines  so  peacefully,  so  strong  and  bright: 

"  I  tell  of  steadfast  love,  of  labor  blest, 

Of  peace,  contentment,  and  of  perfect  rest. 

I  stand  for  purity,  for  strength,  for  mirth  ; 

1  light  a  happy  home,  a  heaven  on  earth." 

How  dazzling  and  with  what  a  fiery  spell 
That  light  which  rises  from  the  flames  of  hell, 
The  devil's  lighthouse  gleams  across  the  sea  ! 
Within  that  shelter  fiends  hold  jubilee  ! 
List  to  the  voice  which  sounds  so  loud  and  shrill : 
"  I  want  your  youth,  your  innocence,  your  will, 
1  want  your  life,  your  fortune  to  control. 
Cursed  be  your  heart,  your  intellect,  your  soul. 
Come  to  the  lighthouse  gay,  come,  manhood,  come, 
And  sink  to  ruin  in  the  sea  of  rum  ! " 


VOICES   OF  THE   LIGHTS. 


But  see  that  mansion  brilliantly  aglow, 
With  all  that  wealth  and  comfort  can  bestow. 
Those  flaming  lamps  by  cruel  hands  are  filled 
With  human  blood.     From  broken  hearts  'twas 

spilled. 

How  gaily  rings  the  voice  :   "  I  stand  for  pride. 
O'er  culture  and  o'er  luxury  I  preside." 

A  faint  and  trembling  light  now  speaks  to  me, 
Its  voice  comes  borne  on  wings  of  agony  : 
"  A  dismal  life,  a  ruined  home  is  mine, 
On  bleeding  hearts  and  wasted  hopes  I  shine. 
Here  Misery  securely  folds  its  wings, 
And  Memory  a  threnode  plaintive  sings, 
Grief,  Want,  and  Sin,  the  only  forms  1  see. 
Soon  naught  but  darkness  in  my  place  will  be." 

A  hundred  lights  in  one  glad  chorus  call : 

"  I  shine  in  splendor  in  the  dancers'  hall, 

O'er  forms  of  grace  and  melody  I  gleam, 

O'er  beauty  fairer  than  a  fairy's  dream  ; 

I  hear  but  music  gay  and  footsteps  light, 

I  see  but  happy  smiles  and  faces  bright  — 

There  may  be  aching  hearts  hid  from  my  sight." 

A  voice  of  anguish  now  I  seem  to  hear, 
Above  the  other  voices  ringing  clear : 
"  O'er  grief  unspeakable  my  rays  I  shed, 
A  lovely  child  upon  a  little  bed  ; 


VOICES  OF  THE  LIGHTS. 


A  white-robed  angel  near  her  waiting  stands ; 
A  mother  bows  her  head,  she  clasps  her  hands, 
She  kneels  beside  the  child,  she  breathes  a  prayer, 
'  I  cannot  let  her  die ;  O  Father,  spare 
My  child,  my  only  child  !  '     I  see  her  weep, 
Her  heart  is  broken,  still  my  watch  I  keep." 

A  flickering  light  I  faintly  can  discern. 

It  speaks,  "  Through  all  the  lonely  night  I  burn." 

A  weary  woman  o'er  her  sewing  bends, 

In  ceaseless  toil  her  burdened  life  she  spends, 

Forever  toiling  for  her  daily  bread, 

She  cannot  sleep,  her  children  must  be  fed. 

Hark  !  from  God's  lighthouse  rings  a  call  to  prayer, 
A  clear  and  peaceful  light  is  shining  there  ; 
Heart-penetrating  rings  its  tender  voice : 
"  I  light  the  church  of  God.     Come,  and  rejoice. 
With  purest  brightness  happily  I  shine. 
Are  you  in  darkness  ?     Here  is  light  divine. 
Here  can  you  learn  of  mercy  full  and  free, 
Of  perfect  safety  on  Life's  troubled  sea." 

Within  a  humble  home  a  trembling  light 

Is  faintly  glimmering  through  the  lonely  night. 

The  lamp  in  Love's  own  window,  Hope  divine, 

Forever  and  forever  more  'twill  shine. 

I  hear  its  voice  :  "  I'm  watching,  Hope  still  burns, 

I'm  shining  'till  the  wandering  one  returns." 


VOICES   OF  THE   LIGHTS. 


A  world  of  stars  ;  each  star  a  world  apart, 

All  flashing  secrets  of  the  human  heart. 

One  gay  with  light  of  happiness  appears, 

Another  glimmers  through  a  mist  of  tears. 

The  light  which  warms  one  heart  with  joy  and 

cheer 

Consumes  another  heart  to  ashes  drear. 
Together  instantly  their  voices  ring, 
In  one  vast  voice  their  separate  songs  they  sing. 


HEEDLESSNESS. 


f)eedlessness, 

While  seeking  for  flowers  in  the  regions  above. 

With  fragrancy  heavenly  sweet, 
A  dear  little  violet,  pleading  for  love, 

I  carelessly  crushed  at  my  feet. 


INDIAN   SUMMER. 


Indian    gummer. 

Once,  long  ago,  the  beauteous  Summer  grieved  ; 
For  all  the  hills  and  valleys,  woods  and  dales, 
He  had  made  rich  with  glory,  color-bright, 
And  when  the  earth  was  fairest,  he  must  die. 
The  Summer  sobbed,  and  at  the  doleful  sound, 
The  winds  came  rushing  from  their  wanderings  ; 
The  trees   their  garments   shook,  and  sighed  in 

grief; 

The  waters  ceased  to  laugh,  and  sadly  mourned  ; 
The  waves  came  to  the  shore  with  helmets  white 
To  ask  the  reason  of  the  Summer's  woe. 
The  answer  came  :  "  The  Summer  fair  must  die." 
Then  loudly  cried  the  waves,  the  sobbing  winds 
Roamed  aimlessly  about  in  agony, 
And  dragged  the  darkening  clouds  across  the  sky. 
The  rain  fell ;  water,  sky,  and  air  were  sad. 

Then  the  great  Father  looked  upon  the  grief 

Of  these  his  children,  waves  and  trees  and  clouds, 

And    bade   them    cease   their   mourning.      They 

obeyed. 
Down  came   the  Princess  Frost.      The  Summer 

smiled, 

And  touched  with  tender  hands  the  glorious  earth  ; 
The  winds  blew  soft  and  balmy,  and  the  tears 


INDIAN   SUMMER. 


Were  dried  from  all  the  trees.     The  north  wind 

brought 

The  dainty,  fair,  white  princess  ;  in  her  hair 
A  powder  brightly  sparkled,  and  her  dress 
Was  crystal  spangled  ;  azure  blue  her  eyes. 
She  cuddled  in  her  arms  the  rough  north  wind, 
And  tossed  her  shining  powder  on  the  earth 
Till  hills  and  mountains  looked  like  mantles  green 
With  silver  lace  embroidered.     Hand  in  hand 
The  Summer  and  the  gentle  Princess  Frost 
Went  through  the  woods  together ;  bush  and  tree 
The  Summer  and  the  Princess  softly  kissed. 
And  when  the  Summer  kissed  the  leaves,  they 

blushed, 

For  fervor  of  his  love,  a  flaming  red  ; 
And  at  the  kiss  of  Princess  Frost  some  turned 
All  golden  with  delight,  while  others  fell 
In  worship  at  her  feet.     The  forest  fires 
Arose  on  every  side.     The  rustling  winds 
Threw  down  the  fluttering  leaves  in  whispering 

showers  ; 

The  trees  and  flowers  and  bushes  went  to  sleep, 
And  peaceful  beauty  reigned.     Thus  bravely  died 
The  Summer,  Love  his  guide  instead 
Of  vain  repining  ;  and  the  mighty  sun 
His  best  and  rarest  poured  on  all  the  world. 

The  Indian  warrior  saw  the  Summer  die, 
And  saw  the  painting  of  the  world,  and  said  : 
"  This  is  the  Summer  true,  and  well  may  we 
A  lesson  learn  to  see  his  glorious  death." 


INDIAN   SUMMER. 


Thus  the  true  warrior  when  prepared  to  die 
Would  never  vainly  grieve,  but  clothe  himself 
In  brightly  glowing  garments  ;  bravely  then 
Would  go  to  welcome  death,  proud,  unafraid. 


46  CHILDREN,   REMEMBER. 


Children,    Remember. 

Child  with  locks  which  gleam  with  gold, 
Remember  that  you  may  some  day  be  old, 
Child  with  locks  of  silvery  gray, 
Remember  that  you  were  young  one  day. 


NATURE'S   CHURCH. 


It  was  the  holy  Sabbath  morn. 

I  banished  every  care 
And  listened  to  the  silent  chimes 

From  flower-bells  of  prayer. 

I  bowed  my  heart  in  worship 

And  hastened  to  their  call, 
To  the  heavenly  church  of  nature— 

The  fairest  church  of  all. 

O,  it  is  wondrous  to  behold  : 

Its  pillars  are  the  trees, 
Its  singers  brooks,  and  bees,  and  birds, 

Its  organ  is  the  breeze. 

Its  carpet  is  of  velvet  green, 

Its  roof  of  azure  blue  ; 
The  church  is  bloomingly  adorned 

With  flowers  of  every  hue. 

I  could  not  see  the  preacher, 

Nor  could  I  hear  his  voice ; 
But  I  knew  his  text  was,  "  Weary, 

Weary  heart,  rejoice  !  rejoice  !  " 


48  NATURE'S   CHURCH. 


Baptized  with  floods  of  sunshine 

I  lost  all  sense  of  pain  ; 
While  communing  there  with  nature, 

I  was  surely  born  again. 

Tenderly  upon  my  forehead 

Holy  dew-drops  softly  fell, 
And  a  heavenly  voice  seemed  whispering, 

"All  is  good  ;  all,  all  is  well." 

While  a  peace  beyond  believing 
Claimed  my  spirit  for  its  own  ; 

And  a  perfect  love  possessed  me, 
Which  I  ne'er  before  have  known. 

'Twas  an  inward  sense  of  heaven 
Which  no  human  tongue  can  tell. 

Tremblingly  the  lengthening  shadows 
Like  sweet  benedictions  fell. 


THE  MESSAGE  OF  THE   BELLS. 


TVlessage   of   the 

Love  is  the  bell-ringer ;  Peace  is  the  bell ; 
Sweet  is  the  message  'tis  ringing  to  tell ; 
Listen,  receive  it :  "  The  Saviour  is  born, 
Born  in  thine  heart  on  this  glad  Christmas  morn." 

"  Peace  and  good-will !  "  still  the  angels  are  sing 
ing, 

Still  shines  the  light  of  the  Truth-star  for  thee. 
Follow  its  brightness  wherever  it  leadeth 

Till  thou  in  beauty  the  Saviour  canst  see. 

Hark,  the  sweet   news  which  the   Peace-bell  is 

telling 

Gladly  is  echoed  by  joy-bells  of  earth  ; 
They  are  returning  a  happy  thanksgiving 

For  God's  great  gift,  for   the   blest  Saviour's 
birth. 


Chime  on,  ye  earth-entwined  joy-bells  of  Christ 
mas, 

Dear  is  the  message  your  glad  music  brings ; 
Louder  and  deeper  and  sweeter  and  clearer 
Sounds  the  Peace-bell   which  the   Love-angel 
rings. 


50  LOVE. 


Love  is  not  a  passion-flower,  dear  ones, 
Like  a  lily  its  beauties  unfold  ; 

Its  robe  is  as  spotless  as  whiteness, 
Its  heart  is  the  purest  of  gold. 

It  blossoms  in  light  over  darkness, 

Blooms  stainless  o'er  vileness  and  strife, 

Eternally  gleams  in  its  beauty 
From  the  wonderful  river  of  life. 


SONG   OF  NATURE'S   CHILD. 


gong   of    future's    Qhild. 

You  may  boast  of  the  wonderful  city, 

With  its  majesty,  glory,  and  power, 
But  with  all  of  its  charms  it  has  nothing 

To  tempt  the  fragrant  wild  flower ; 
The  daintiest  blossoms  of  nature, 

From  the  city  make  hasty  retreat, 
But  far  in  the  wilderness,  happy, 

They  are  blooming  all  fragrant  and  sweet. 

You  may  boast  of  your  mighty  cathedrals, 
With  their  eloquence,  beauty,  and  song  ; 

But  the  wonderful  singers  of  Nature 
To  the  heart  of  the  forest  belong  : 

o 

The  birds  sing  praise  to  their  Maker, 
With  hearts  free  from  worry  and  care, 

And  'tis  in  the  wild  chapel  of  Nature 
Is  found  the  true  spirit  of  prayer. 

You  may  boast  of  your  knowledge  and  wisdom, 

Of  your  schools  and  your  teachers  of  skill. 
I  prefer  the  calm  of  the  meadow, 

The  peace  of  the  cool  forest  rill. 
God's  earth,  in  its  own  simple  beauty, 

Is  wondrously,  heavenly  fair, 
And  no  works  of  man,  howe'er  mighty, 

With  the  beauties  of  nature  compare. 


52  SONG  OF  NATURE'S  CHILD. 

1  am  tired  of  the  pomp  of  the  city, 

I  would  fly  to  the  mountains  again, 
Where  in  peace  undisturbed  I  could  ever 

With  dear  Mother  Nature  remain. 
There's  companionship  in  the  deep  forests 

And  happiest  comfort  for  me. 
In  the  city,  the  desert  of  people, 

I'm  as  lonely  as  lonely  can  be. 


THE   SKEPTIC.  53 


The  skeptic  sneered  his  unbelief 
In  a  God  of  life  and  love. 

While  the  Holy  Ghost  descended, 
All  radiant  from  above, 

The  skeptic  saw  a  raven  ; 
He  would  not  see  a  dove. 


54  THE  ORGAN  PUMPER. 


Qrgan    Pumper. 


To  their  pews  the  saints  are  gliding, 
With  their  faces  calm,  serene, 

While  the  scowling  organ  pumper 
Takes  his  place  behind  the  scene. 

First  the  prayer,  then  the  preaching, 
Music  often  comes  between  ; 

No  one  sees  the  organ  pumper, 
For  he  is  behind  the  scene. 

Yet  he  hears  the  solemn  sermon, 
For  his  ears  are  very  keen, 

And  he  listens  there  intently 
In  his  place  behind  the  scene. 

Well  he  knows  the  sacred  singing 
Would  not  sweetly  intervene 

If  he  should  forget  the  moment 
He  must  pump  behind  the  scene. 

11  Is  the  music  not  entrancing?  " 
Breathe  the  sisters  as  they  rise. 

"  Yes,  indeed,"  the  brothers  whisper, 
As  they  close  their  pious  eyes. 


THE  ORGAN   PUMPER. 


"  Oh,  I  am  so  tired  of  pumping 

This  infernal  old  machine," 
Growls  the  weary  organ  pumper, 

As  he  pumps  behind  the  scene. 

Ah,  while  some  enjoy  the  sweetness 
From  life's  laboring  machine. 

"  There  are  others  "  pumping  —  pumping 
Wearily  behind  the  scene. 


56  THE  ANGEL  OF  SHADOW-LAND. 


of   Shadow 


Death  is  the  angel  of  Shadow-land  ; 
Silent  his  footsteps,  restful  his  hand. 
Into  the  chamber  of  suffering  he  came, 
Gently  he  called  the  loved  one  by  name  ; 
Cool  on  the  forehead  his  fingers  he  placed, 
Traces  of  suffering  quickly  effaced. 
Death  is  the  angel  of  rest  and  release, 
Friend  of  the  weary,  bringer  of  peace. 


CHRISTMAS. 


Christmas. 

I  followed  the  Star ;  lo,  its  light  gleamed  within  me ; 

Resplendent  it  shone  with  the  glory  of  morn  ; 
It  led  to  my  heart,  and  oh,  sweet  revelation, 

I  found  there  the  manger  where  Jesus  was  born. 

"  They  offered  Him  gifts."  What  gift  shall  I  offer? 

Listen  and  hear  what  the  Saviour  has  said  : 
"  Inasmuch  as  ye  give  to  the  least  of  my  children, 

Ye  give  unto  me ;  they  receive  in  my  stead." 


LIFE'S   DAY. 


Life's 

When  the  brightening  of  the  sunrise  in  the  eastern 

sky  is  dawning, 
And  the  shadowy  forms  of  darkness  glimmer^ 

pale,  and  disappear, 
Child  of  life,  arise,  and  hasten  to  the  duties  of  the 

morning, 

Face  the  sunrise,  claim   the  daylight,  led   by 
hope,  sustained  by  cheer. 

Brightly  gleams   the  early  sunshine ;    sweet  the 

fragrance  of  the  flowers ; 

Life  is  full  of  richest  beauty,  claim  it  in  its  holi 
ness. 
See,  the  sun  is  higher  rising ;   swiftly  pass   the 

morning  hours, 

"  Be  not  weary  in  well  doing."    Lo  !  thy  Maker 
waits  to  bless. 

When   the  heat  and  dust  of   noonday  find   thee 

weary,  sad,  and  lonely, 
Find  thy  heart  bowed  down  by  sorrow,  fainting 

'neath  its  load  of  care. 
Faint  not,  hungry  heart,  look  upward,  claim  the 

moment's  sunlight  only ; 

Child  of   life,  toil  on  with  patience,  face   the 
noonday's  burning  glare. 


LIFE'S   DAY. 


Child,  thy  Maker  is   beside   thee ;    tenderly  He 

watches  o'er  thee, 
Toil,  and  trust  Him  ;  toil,  and  love  Him  ;  follow 

where  He  leads  the  way. 
Spend  no  time  in  idly  dreaming  ;  see,  the  shadows 

are  before  thee, 

Dreamland  lies  in  fields  of  darkness  ;  dream  by 
night,  but  work  by  day. 

When  the  golden  sunset's  glory  tints  the  western 

sky  with  splendor, 
And  the  lengthening  shadows  whisper  that  the 

day  is  nearly  done ; 
Child  of  life,  face  then  the  sunset ;  sorrow  not, 

with  memories  tender 

For  the  early  dew-washed  hours,  for  the  rising 
of  the  sun. 

Blessed  were  the  hours  of  morning  and  the  noon 
day  hour  of  duty  ; 
Happy  hours  of  hope  and  courage,  dearer  now 

that  they  are  past. 

But  behold  the  wondrous  glory  of  the  hues  of  sun 
set  beauty. 

Ah,  life's  fairest,  richest  treasures  are  reserved 
to  greet  thee  last. 

Lo,  the  darkening  shadows  gather.     Child  of  life, 

the  night  is  nearing  ; 

Face  the  starlight,  face  the  moonlight ;  sunset 
beams  are  overcast, 


60  LIFE'S   DAY. 


Darker  still  the  shadows  deepen,  swiftly  light  is 

disappearing  ; 

Cease  thy  labor,  still  thy  heart-beats,  silence 
greets  thee,  child,  at  last. 

Face  the  silence ;  face  the  darkness ;  child,  thy 

day  of  life  is  ended ; 
Shadowy  forms  descend  to  greet  thee  ;  fear  them 

not,  but  trustful  be. 
Helpless  art  thou,  weak,  dependent;   grasp  the 

hand  to  thee  extended  ; 

Enter  fearlessly  the  shadow ;  list,  the  Master 
speaks  to  thee. 

"  Through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  I  am  with 

thee,  I  will  guide  thee  ; 
Close  thy  weary  eyes  and  follow ;  fear  not,  I 

will  hold  thy  hand. 
Be  not  faithless,  but  believing,  for  no  ill  can  e'er 

betide  thee. 

There  is  nothing  that  can  harm  thee  in  the  vale 
of  shadow-land." 

Is  there  light  beyond  the  shadow  ?     Is  there  heaven 

for  souls  earth-weary? 
Are  we  but  embodied  spirits  waiting  for  a  glad 

release? 
Are  wejiere  but  for  a  moment ;  here  enduring  toil 

so  dreary, 

Only  to  find  life  eternal  in  a  world  of  endless 
peace? 


LIFE'S  DAY.  61 


Shall  we  greet  our  treasured  loved  ones  in  a  land 

with  glory  gleaming? 
Nevermore  to  part  or  sorrow  while  the  countless 

ages  roll? 

Is  our  faith  to  be  rewarded?     We  are  longing,  hop 
ing,  dreaming. 

Is  there  an  immortal  answer  to  the  questions  of 
the  soul? 

Or  is  life  a  heavy  burden?  but  a  dream  the  whole 

creation? 
Is  the  God  of   love  a  shadow  all   unreal   and 

powerless? 
Is  there  naught  beyond  but  darkness  and  the  soul's 

annihilation? 

Child  of  life,  all  else  denied  thee,  there  remain- 
eth  for  thee  rest. 

There  remaineth  perfect  stillness,  dreamless  sleep 

through  endless  ages ; 
Deepest   silence,  stirless  quiet  for  the  storms 

within  thy  breast ; 
Naught  can  move  thee  from  thy  slumber,  fiercely 

though  life's  ocean  rages  ; 
This   reward    remaineth   for   thee,    child ;    be 
worthy  of  thy  rest. 


62  LIGHT-HEARTED? 


Cigbt-bearted? 

(A  MEMORY  OF  NELLIE.) 

You  call  her  light-hearted  and  merry, 
A  stranger  to  sorrow,  care-free  ; 

A  light  heart  may  still  be  a  deep  heart, 
'Tis  only  the  surface  you  see. 


TO    L—  63 


To    C- 

Whate'er  I  may  do,  where'er  1  may  be, 
1  know  who  tenderly  thinks  of  me. 
I  know  whose  heart  is  as  true  as  gold, 
Whose  love  will  endure  till  the  stars  are  old, 
Till  the  moon  is  dark,  till  the  sun  is  cold. 
Yea,  though  I  rise  to  heights  of  fame, 
Though  I  fall  to  depths  of  sin  and  shame, 
I  know  whose  love  will  remain  the  same. 


64  EASTER. 


I  will  tell  you  the  meaning  of  Easter 

As  angels  revealed  it  to  me  : 
It  means  that  all  beauties  of  nature 

Are  given  new  life  and  set  free. 

The  flowers  awake  from  their  sleeping, 
The  skylark  mounts  high  on  the  wing, 

The  sunshine  dispels  the  dark  shadows, 
For  the  sweetness  and  glory  of  spring. 

While  standing  serene  and  triumphant 

The  lily,  pure  emblem  of  joy, 
Is  the  white-robed  queen-blossom  which  tells  us 

That  death  has  no  power  to  destroy. 

The  lily  once  slept  in  the  darkness 

In  a  graveland  of  shadowy  night, 
But  arose  by  a  glad  resurrection 

To  share  in  God's  glorious  light. 

She  stands  as  the  fair  white-robed  angels 
Once  stood  by  the  blest  Saviour's  tomb, 

And  says,  "  The  dear  Christ  has  arisen, 
To  bring  you  this  message,  I  bloom." 


ONE  COMFORT.  65 


Qne 


Oh,  why  should  needless  care  be  ours? 

Why  should  we  fume  and  fret? 
For  if  we  cannot  gather  flowers, 

We'll  sleep  beneath  them  yet. 


66  CHRONITA. 


The  rain  was  falling  heavily,  and  drear 

The   landscape   gleamed  the  whole  wide    region 

round  ; 

Among  the  wild  Sierras,  in  the  land 
Of  Mexico,  the  scene  ;  the  hour  at  dusk. 
It  is  a  lonely  view,  the  ground  is  drenched, 
And  ever  heavier  the  rain  descends. 
Between  the  pines,  their  forms  almost  concealed 
By  the  long  outer  garments  which  they  wear, 
Two  men  appear,  and  anxiously  they  glance 
Around  the  dismal  scene  which  greets  their  eyes. 
The  one  is  tall,  his  form  erect  and  firm  ; 
Upon  his  shoulder  is  a  rifle  swung. 
He  pushes  back  his  broad  sombrero  ;  we 
Can  see  his  face,  'tis  fair,  his  eyes  are  blue, 
His  hair  is  blonde  and  falls  around  his  brow 
In  clustering  curls  ;  by  this  we  know 
The  man  we  see  is  not  a  Mexican. 
This  man  has  left  his  home  in  Northern  lands, 
To  gain  his  fame  and  fortune  in  this  land 
Of  silver.     An  American  is  he. 
His  name  is  Raymond — Ralph  his  given  name. 
The  other  is  his  guide,  a  Mexican. 
The  guide  now  turns,  and  pointing  to  a  stream 
Before  them,  silent  for  a  moment  stands, 


CHRONITA.  67 


And  now  he  speaks,  addressing  Raymond  thus  : 
"  Senor,  we  cannot  cross  the  stream  to-night." 
"  What  can  we  do?  "  cries  Ralph  impatiently, 
"  We  cannot  here  remain  ;  what  can  we  do?  " 
"  Senor,  adown  the  stream  a  little  way, 
A  little  rancho  rests,  and  therein  dwells 
Juan  Montano.     Shall  we  shelter  seek 
Of  him,  senor?     There  is  no  other  way." 
"  Yes,  yes,  move  on,"  cries  Raymond  hastily, 

Juan  Montano  warmly  welcomed  them  : 

"  Entras,  entras,  my  shelter  is  your  own. 

Senor,"  Montano  said,  "  your  rifle  is 

A  grand  one  ;  it  is  like  the  one 

Which  I  possessed,  and  which,  senor,  was  stolen. 

I  miss  it  much,  it  furnished  me  my  meat. 

An  Indian  stole  it.     May  the  devil  take 

His  soul,  to  pay  him  for  the  wretched  deed. 

Chronita  mia,"  thus  Montano  called, 

' '  Come  here,  Chronita  !  ' '  Soon  before  them  stood 

A  maiden,  daughter  of  the  Mexican, 

Juan  Montano.     Wildly  beautiful  was  she  ; 

With  glorious  dusky  eyes,  of  flashing  light 

And  shade  ;  dark  hair  in  rich  abundance  hung 

Far,  far  below  her  waist  in  disarray. 

A  dark,  expressive  face,  a  form  of  grace, 

Yet  all  unconscious,  wildly  beautiful, 

She  stood  before  her  father,  eyes  downcast. 

"  Senor,"  Juan  Montano  said  with  pride, 

"  This  is  my  daughter,  'tis  Chronita  mia." 

An  instant  then  the  dark  eyes  rested  keen 


CHRONITA. 


Upon  the  face  of  Ralph,  the  Northerner. 

"  Senor,  permit  Chronita  but  one  shot 

From  your  fine  rifle  there,  for  she  can  shoot." 

This  said  Montano,  while  Chronita  smiled. 

Ralph  smiled  and  nodded,  and  the  Mexic  maid 

With  matchless  grace  his  rifle  upward  raised. 

A  flash,  then  a  report,  and  downward  fell 

A  bird  upon  the  ground.     Chronita  passed 

The  rifle  to  its  owner.     Smilingly 

She  raised  her  eyes  and  met  the  ardent  gaze 

Of  the  American,  but  instantly 

A  glowing  crimson  covered  all  her  face, 

And  wildly  beat  her  heart.   Then  Raymond  smiled, 

For  she  was  beautiful,  he  beauty  loved. 

Chronita  ne'er  before  had  looked  upon 

A  Northerner.     He  was  quite  different 

From  men  of  her  own  race.     What  was  it,  though, 

That  caused  her  face  to  flush,  her  heart  to  beat 

So  wildly  when  the  blue  eyes,  lingering, 

Met  hers  with  admiration  there  expressed? 

She  did  not  know,  she  feared  again  to  raise 

Her  eyes  to  meet  the  stranger's.     Hastily 

She  left  the  room,  by  Raymond's  gaze 

Attended,  till  her  form  was  lost  to  sight. 

The  rain  fell  heavily  upon  the  roof 

In  muffled,  pattering  music  ;  dreamily 

Was  Raymond  listening  to  it  as  it  fell, 

And  half  unconsciously  comparing  eyes 

Of  darkness,  raven,  flowing  locks,  to  eyes 

Of  azure  blue  and  hair  of  brightest  gold. 


CHRONITA.  69 


Comparing  wild  Chronita's  dusky  face 

To  the  fair  features  of  the  Northern  maid 

Who  was  his  sweetheart,  was  his  promised  bride. 

The  morning  dawned,  the  sun  beamed  brightly 

forth, 

As  if,  victorious,  'twould  the  rain  impearl. 
Raymond  then  bade  Montano  his  farewell. 
"  Return,  senor,  again,"  Montano  said. 
Chronita,  standing  by  her  father's  side, 
Gazed  like  a  little  child  in  Raymond's  face. 
"  Farewell,  Chronita,"  whispered  Raymond  low. 
"  Farewell,"  Chronita  said,  "farewell,  senor." 

Often  would  Ralph,  returning  from  the  mines, 
Pause  at  the  rancho  for  a  little  while. 
Juan  Montano  always  welcomed  him, 
And  soon  Chronita  learned  to  watch  for  him, 
And  artlessly  would  smile  and  welcome  him, 
And  listen,  rapt,  intent,  to  hear  his  words. 

One  eve,  when  sunset's  glory  radiant 

Fell  in  the  beauty  of  its  afterglow, 

A  while  paused  Raymond  at  the  open  door, 

Before  the  rancho,  but  no  one  appeared 

To  welcome  him  ;  then  to  a  spring  he  went, 

For  he  was  very  thirsty  from  his  ride. 

There,  bending  o'er  the  spring,  he  saw  the  form 

Of  wild  Chronita.     She  was  filling  there 

An  olio,  and  she  did  not  hear  his  step, 

Nor  did  she  see  his  form  until  he  stood 


CHRONITA. 


Beside  her.     Then  she  started  up  and  would 
Have  fallen,  had  not  Raymond  held  her  fast. 
"  Chronita  mia,"  whispered  Raymond  low, 
The  while  his  gaze  sought  hers  with  tenderness. 
Chronita  raised  her  eyes  with  fire  aglow, 
And  Raymond  read  her  tender  secret  there ; 
The  secret  of  a  love,  so  wild,  so  fierce, 
And  yet  so  tender,  that  he  almost  feared. 
Chronita  hastened  to  her  chamber  then 
And  low  before  a  little  shrine  she  knelt, 
And  whispered,  "  Deos,  Deos,  blessed  God, 
I  am  so  happy  ;  why  am  I  so  glad? 
1  thank  thee,  Deos,  for  my  happiness." 

"  Ah,  senor,  what  would  I  not  give 

To  own  a  rifle  like  your  rifle  there?  " 

Thus  said  Juan  Montano,  as  he  laid 

His  hand  upon  Ralph's  rifle  reverently. 

Then  answered  Ralph,  "  Montano,  hear  me  well. 

I'll  give  my  rifle  to  you,  if,  in  return, 

You'll  give  to  me  Chronita  for  my  own." 

Juan  Montano  warmly  grasped  the  hand 

Of  Raymond,  saying,  "  It  is  well,  'tis  well, 

You'll  treat  Chronita  with  all  gentleness  ; 

And  you  have  money,  it  is  well,  'tis  well." 

The  quarters  at  the  mines  where  Raymond  stayed 
Seemed  to  Chronita  like  a  palace  grand. 
And  she  was  very  happy  ;  Raymond  bought 
Her  pretty  dresses,  dainty  slippers  too ; 
Yet  oft  he'd  find  her  with  her  old  loose  dress 


CHRONITA. 


Upon  her,  while  her  bare  feet  peeped  beneath. 
If  he  would  chide  her  for  her  dress,  then  she 
Would  cling  around  his  neck  and  murmur  low, 
"  Ah,  Ralph,  you  must  not  scold  Chronita,  for 
She  loves  you  so,  she  loves  you  so,  sweetheart." 
And  Raymond  grew  to  love  the  Mexic  maid. 

The  time  passed  on,  and  soon  must  Raymond  leave 

The  land  of  silver,  land  of  Mexico, 

And  once  again  return  to  Northern  land 

And  claim  his  fair-haired  sweetheart  for  his  bride. 

And  he  must  leave  Chronita.     "  Would  to  God, 

I  ne'er  had  met  her  !  "  was  his  inward  cry. 

Before  the  fireplace,  Raymond  sat  one  night, 
Reading  the  letters  which  the  mail  had  brought. 
Upon  the  floor,  Chronita  silently 
Was  sitting  at  his  feet,  her  dark  eyes  bent 
Upon  the  glowing  coals,  yet  often  she 
Would  raise  her  eyes  an  instant  to  his  face, 
As  if  to  read  his  very  inmost;soul. 
"  Chronita  mia,"  Raymond  said  at  last, 
"  Soon,  very  soon,  I  must  return  again 
To  Northern  land,  and    leave   you  here,  sweet 
heart." 

Wildly  Chronita  rose  and  stood  before 
Him,  all  her  body  trembling,  quivering, 
With  anger,  jealousy,  and  pain  and  love. 
"  You're  going  to  the  lady  who  has  sent 
Her  picture  to  you,  sent  you  letters  too, 
But  Ralph,  I  will  not  let  you  go,  for  you 


CHRONITA. 


Are  mine."     An  instant  silent  then  she  stood 
Majestic  in  her  grace,  and  then  forgot 
Her  queenly  bearing,  wearily  she  sighed, 
Then  fell  before  him  at  his  feet  and  sobbed, 
As  though  her  heart  would  break  with  love  and 

grief. 

"  Oh,  do  not,  do  not  leave  me,"  pleadingly 
She  murmured,  "for  I  love  you  so,  sweetheart." 
Then  Raymond  soothed  her,  saying  tenderly, 
"  'Tis  only  for  a  little  while,  sweetheart. 
I  shall  return  again,  shall  soon  return. 
You  with  your  father  patiently  will  wait 
Until  I  come  again.     'Twill  not  be  long." 
Then  brightly  beautiful  the  dark  eyes  gleamed, 
Shone  radiant  with  trusting  love  and  hope. 
"  You  are  not  going  to  the  lady,  then, 
Who  sent  the  picture  and  the  letters,  Ralph? 
Repeat  it  to  me  ;  say,  '  1  will  not  go 
To  her.'  "     "  I  will  not  go  to  her,"  said  Ralph. 
"  Then  take  the  picture,  and  the  letters  too, 
And  throw  them  in  the  fire  and  watch  them  burn." 
A  flaming  color  rose  to  Raymond's  brow, 
Yet,  just  to  please  Chronita,  he  obeyed. 
"  I  will  believe  you  now,"  Chronita  said. 
"  With  patience,  sweetheart,  I  will  wait  for  you 
Till  you  return  again  to  Mexico." 

The  time  for  his  departure.     Raymond  went 
To  where  Chronita  weeping  stood  alone. 
"  Farewell,  Chronita,  sweetheart,  love,  farewell. 
You're  but  a  child.     I  would  to  God  I  ne'er 


CHRONITA.  73 


Had  met  you.    I  must  go.    Farewell.    Farewell." 
Chronita  sobbingly  returned,  "  Farewell, 
You  will  return  again,  will  soon  return." 
A  moment  Raymond  paused,  then  rode  away. 
Chronita  watched  his  form  till  lost  to  sight, 
Then  wept  as  though  her  very  heart  would  break. 
But  hark,  a  sound  of  voices  low  she  heard, 
Voices  of  those  who  knew  her  from  a  child  : 
"  God  curse  him  for  his  treachery  to  her. 
He  never  will  return  to  Mexico. 
He's  going  North  to  marry  one  for  whom 
He  gained  his  fortune  in  this  Mexic  land." 
Like  lightning  fire  flashed  in  Chronita's  eyes  : 
"  What's  this  you  say?     He  never  will  return? 
Going  to  marry  her,  that  fair-haired  maid? 
No,  by  his  God  in  heaven,  I  swear  it,  he 
Shall  never  marry  her,  for  he  is  mine  !  " 
Then  grasping  up  the  rifle  with  which  her 
Heart's    blood    was    purchased,    swift    Chronita 

passed 

And  followed  Raymond.     Soon  she  saw  his  form. 
"Ralph!    Ralph!"   she  called.      Her  voice  was 

angry,  hoarse, 

He  did  not  hear  her,  did  not  look  around. 
And  then  with  all  the  lingering  tenderness, 
Which  filled  her  heart,  with  power  of  ardent  love, 
She  called:  "Sweetheart  mio,  Chronita  hear!" 
This  call  he  heard,  and  turned  to  answer  her. 
A  flash,  then  a  report,  and  Raymond  swayed 
An  instant  in  his  saddle,  then  fell  dead. 


GO  ON. 


6°    0n- 

O  be  not  discouraged,  and  do  not  turn  back. 

Lay  aside  every  burden  of  care, 
At  the  end  of  the  road  is  your  heavenly  home, 

And  peace  is  awaiting  you  there. 


I.    H.    S 


I.  B.  S. 

Dark  is  the  prison  and  hopeless  the  prisoner, 
Prostrate  he  falls  with  an  agonized  cry. 

Who  is  this  man,  and  why  is  he  imprisoned? 
'Tis  Barabbas,  a  murderer,  sentenced  to  die. 

See  from  the  light  comes  a  great  crowd,  excited. 

Haste  thee,  Barabbas,  for  thou  art  set  free  ! 
We  have  preferred  thee  to  Jesus,  Barabbas ; 

Jesus  of  Nazareth  dieth  for  thee. 

Think  you  Barabbas  once  questioned  this  message? 
Think   you  he  doubted   the  truth  which  they 

brought? 

Think  you  he  waited  to  rush  from  the  prison? 
Think  you  he  spurned  the  rich  freedom  thus 
bought? 

No,  he  was  pardoned,  oh,  wonderful  message  ! 

Pardon  and  freedom  he  could  not  refuse  ; 
I  can  imagine  him  hastening,  rushing, 

Anxious  to  see  Him,  the  King  of  the  Jews. 

Pushing  his  way  through  the  crowd  as  they  jour 
neyed  ; 

Life  without  freedom  is  worthless  as  dross. 
He  has  been  saved,  he  must  gaze  on  his  Saviour, 

He  must  be  close  to  the  foot  of  the  cross. 


76  I.    H.    S. 

"Jesus,"  he  whispered,  "I  never  have  known 
thee, 

Yet  by  thy  death  my  poor  life  is  set  free, 
And  I  accept  thee,  my  Saviour,  Redeemer. 

This,  this  I  know,  thou  art  dying  for  me." 


LADY  OF  LEISURE. 


of    leisure. 

Gaze  at  her  thoughtfully  !     Languid  with  graces, 

Tired  with  the  burden  of  nothing  to  do ; 
Tear-gleaming  diamonds,  and  ghostly-white  laces  ; 

Poverty's  whispers  her  garments  pursue. 
Eyelids  closed  wearily,  lo,  she  sighs  drearily, 

Thoughtlessly  dreaming  the  slow  moments  creep. 
Earnestly  gaze  at  her,  look  in  amaze  at  her, 

Lady  of  Leisure  !     Ah,  see,  she's  asleep  ! 


78  THE  WHITE  ROSE. 


\Y)bite    Rose. 


Do  you  know,  I  believe  that  in  heaven, 

In  celestial  gardens  of  light, 
That  the  purified  flowers  that  abide  there 

Will  all  be  blossoms  of  white. 
And  fairest  of  all  in  the  kingdom 

Will  stand  the  white  rose  complete, 
Its  petals  all  shining  with  pureness, 

Its  perfume  most  heavenly  sweet. 


NOW   BE. 


be. 


Are  you  sinful?     Are  you  weary? 

Have  you  left  your  home  above? 
Have  you  listened  to  the  tempter? 

Hast  forgotten  God  is  love? 
Know,  dear  one,  thy  sins  are  pardoned  ; 

Hear  a  voice  now  say  to  thee, 
"  I  have  kept  your  place,  'tis  waiting  ; 

What  you  might  have  been,  now  be." 


8o  MY   FRIEND. 


friend. 

I  have  a  friend,  a  friend  as  yet  unknown, 
Whose  inner  soul  is  kindred  to  my  own, 
A  friend  who  can  a  sacred  silence  keep, 
Who  still  will  love  me  when  I  fall  asleep ; 
A  dear,  rare  friend,  with  whom  I  am  alone. 

A  human  friend,  who  knows  that  I  am  weak, 
Who  feels  the  thoughts  whose  depths  I  cannot 

speak, 

Whose  earnest  heart, like  golden  sunbeams, cheers', 
Who  smiles  at  smiles,  and  weeps  at  sorrow's  tears : 
This  is  the  friend  my  longing  soul  doth  seek. 

A  friend  who  cannot  here  perfection  gain, 
Yet  seeks  a  heavenly  mansion  to  attain. 

0  tender  friend,  with  power  to  sympathize, 
Come  to  me,  love-light  beaming  in  thine  eyes, 
And  let  thy  friendship  all  my  soul  enchain. 

Where  art  thou,  kindred  spirit?     Oft  alone 

1  feel  thy  living  heart  beat  with  my  own  ; 

I  feel  the  thrill  of  friendship's  keen  delight, 
And  miss  thee  only  by  my  earthly  sight ; 
I'm  sure  thy  presence  in  this  world  is  known. 


MY   FRIEND. 


Come,  friendship  rare,  and  near  my  soul  abide ; 
Come,  know  my  weakness,  feel  my  strength  and 

pride ; 

I  need  thee  in  the  darkness,  in  the  light; 
Come,  bring  thy  presence  to  my  longing  sight, 
And  let  me  in  thy  strength  and  weakness  hide. 

I'll  know  thee,  friend,  I'm  sure  that  I  can  trace 
Thy  friendly  soul  within  thy  beaming  face. 
A  friendship  true  as  thine  I'll  give  to  thee, 
A  bond  which  strengthens  through  eternity, 
For  sacred  friendship  heaven  will  not  efface. 


82  "GIVE  US  THIS   DAY  OUR  DAILY   BREAD." 


Qive   Us   This    fta\f    0ur 


"  Sickness  send,  my  cause  to  aid," 
Sighed  the  doctor,  as  he  prayed. 
The  apothecary  then 
Echoed  earnestly,  "  Amen  !  " 
While  the  undertaker  said, 
"  Send  to  me  a  body  dead." 

Then  the  sexton  toiled  and  prayed, 
"  Lord,  I  pray  Thee,  send  me  aid. 
Let  some  reach  their  final  bed. 
Give  me,  Lord,  my  daily  bread  ! 
Cried,  while  digging  in  the  sod, 
"  Send  a  coffin  here,  O  God  !  " 

God  in  pity  heard  the  prayer 
From  the  sons  of  toil  and  care. 
Thus  the  sons  of  men  were  fed 
From  the  body  of  the  dead. 
Only  one,  the  corpse  alone, 
Asking  bread,  received  a  stone. 


MY   BANK  ACCOUNT.  83 


7VU/" 

I  am  seeking  the  truths  of  the  ages 

And  the  pearls  of  the  poets  to  find  ; 
I  am  storing  the  wealth  which  I  gather 

In  the  innermost  depths  of  my  mind. 
Though  I  draw  from  my  bank  account  daily, 

I  ne'er  can  in  poverty  be, 
For  the  more  that  I  give  from  my  treasure, 

The  more  is  left  over  for  me. 


84  BE  LIKE  FLOWERS. 


ge    C^He    Flowers. 

In  the  darkness,  be  impatient, 

Struggle  for  release ; 
Let  your  many  seeds  of  kindness 

Daisy-like  increase. 

Stand  like  sunflowers,  bold  and  fearless, 

Growing  strong,  upright ; 
Yet  be  gentle,  pure,  and  holy, 

Like  the  violet  white. 

Like  the  jolly  dandelion, 

Flourish,  full  of  glee  ; 
Like  the  baptized  water-lily, 

Golden-hearted  be. 

Let  your  face  be  like  the  pansy's, 

Cheerful,  clear,  and  pure ; 
Like  the  golden-rod  be  ready 

Tempests  to  endure. 

Like  the  fern  in  forest  dwelling, 

Modest  grace  possess  ; 
Like  the  sacred  Easter  lily, 

Purity  impress. 


BE   LIKE   FLOWERS.  85 


Like  the  flower  which  shines  in  darkness, 

Light-truth  ever  tell ; 
Ring  a  call  for  living  worship, 

Like  a  lily-bell. 

Like  the  lovely  apple  blossom, 

Use  with  beauty  blend  ; 
Like  the  ivy,  earth-bound,  climbing, 

Cling  while  you  ascend. 

Let  no  thistle  seeds  of  scandal 

Tremble  in  your  breath  ; 
They  might  reach  a  tender  blossom,— 

Cause  its  sudden  death. 

Like  the  lily  of  the  valley, 

Fraprance  round  you  throw  ; 
Be  refreshing  as  the  clover, 

Everywhere  you  go. 

Be  on  earth  the  fair  reminders 

Of  the  love  of  God  ; 
Leave  behind  you,  like  the  flowers, 

Fragrance  in  the  sod. 


86  SING  OF  CHEER. 


§ing   of    Gbeer. 

O'er  the  heads  of  high  and  lowly 

Darkening  clouds  of  shade  appear  ; 
From  the  highlands,  from  the  lowlands, 

Sound  now  distantly,  now  near, 
Cries  of  pain  and  sighs  of  sorrow, 

Ringing,  moaning  in  my  ear ; 
Even  in  my  heart,  an  echo 

Of  earth's  wailing  I  can  hear. 
Ah,  the  world  is  full  of  sadness  ! 

I  will  try  to  sing  of  cheer. 


GOD'S  THANK  YOU,  87 


God's    TbcmH   YOU. 

I  have  labored  long  and  earnest, 

Toiled  for  others  all  the  day, 
Tried  to  useful  be,  and  helpful, 

Some  kind  thing  to  do  or  say. 
No  one  seems  to  understand  me, 

Tears  I  scarcely  can  restrain, 
Not  a  word  of  thanks  to  cheer  me, 

Are  my  efforts  all  in  vain? 

Darkness  falls,  heaven's  tears  descend, 

Sympathetic  star-eyes  shine, 
Loving,  tender,  God  my  Father 

Whispers  to  this  heart  of  mine : 
"  Thank  you,  child,  be  not  discouraged, 

You  have  tried  to  do  your  best, 
Thank  you,  child."     It  is  God's  thank  you, 

Bringing  peace  and  joy  and  rest. 


THE  SUICIDE. 


guicide. 


Utterly  hopeless,  and  weary  of  life, 
Weary  of  restlessness,  weary  of  strife, 
Friendless  and  loveless,  and  tired  of  breath, 
Longing  for  silence  and  longing  for  death, 
Lo,  in  a  moment  of  utter  despair 
Bowed  low  with  burdens  too  heavy  to  bear, 
Too  weak  to  live,  byjhis  own  hand  he  died. 
God  in  His  mercy  his  fate  will  decide. 


THE   RAINBOW  OF   BABYLAND. 


Rainbow    of    Jgabx/'land. 

Clouds  are  arising,  a  storm  is  approaching ; 

Dear  little  eyes  are  with  teardrops  impearled. 
Now  through  the  cloudlets  the  sunshine  is  break 
ing, 

Forming  a  rainbow  in  Babyland  world. 


90  FAIRY    WEAVERS. 


\Y)eav>ers. 

Fairy,  dewy  gossamer ;  filaments  of  gloom  ; 

Daintiest  of  weavers  standing  by  each  loom. 

Snowy,  lily  fingers  ;  forms  of  wondrous  grace, 

Sweetest  smiles  of  beauty  sparkling  on  each  face. 

Weaving  in  the  darkness  silently  and  well. 

Hark  !  a  tiny  tinkle,  like  a  golden  bell ! 

Some  one  is  approaching,  trembling  as  with  fear, 

'Tis  the  king  of  weavers,  fairy  overseer. 

"  Cease,  Aurora  cometh  !  "  overseer  said. 

"  Tie  each  web  of  fancy  with  a  golden  thread." 


UNION. 


Union. 

Sounds  of  melody  unite  to 

Form  a  cadence  rich  and  clear  ; 
'Tis  the  union  of  the  moments 

Forms  the  hour,  the  day,  the  year. 
Faith  and  hope  and  love  united 

Form  a  strong,  God-fearing  band. 
Evil  forces,  when  united, 

Fill  the  prisons  of  our  land. 
'Tis  by  union  of  the  pennies 

That  a  fortune  is  possessed  ; 
'Tis  by  union  of  the  letters 

That  a  thought  may  be  expressed  ; 
'Tis  the  union  of  the  raindrops 

Forms  the  sweet,  refreshing  shower, 
So  with  everything  around  you  — 

In  its  union  lies  its  power. 


92  THE  TREES. 


Of  all  of  Nature's  children  in  the  school-room  of 

the  plants 

The  most  studious  and  faithful  are  the  trees, 
For  they  stand  in  quiet  order  just  wherever  they 

are  placed, 
While  they  bow  before  the  ringing  of  the  breeze. 

See  them  raise  their  arms   together,  hear  them 

gently  turn  the  leaves, 
They  perfect  themselves  in  every  branch  and 

line. 
At  the  opening  of  the  school  year  they  are  fresh 

and  green,  indeed, 
But  they  graduate  with  brilliancy  divine. 


THE  MINISTER  COMING  TO   DINNER.  93 


Nothing  in  the  house  to  eat, 
Neither  fruit,  nor  pie,  nor  meat, 

Nor  a  cake. 

Nothing,  sure  as  I'm  a  sinner. 
Something,  something  before  dinner, 

I  must  bake. 

Susan,  go  to  find  the  broom, 
Tidy  up  the  sitting-room, 

Dust  each,  chair ; 

Clean  the  stove  and  brush  the  shelf, 
Then  begin  to  clean  yourself, 

Comb  your  hair. 

Try  to  decently  appear. 
Susan,  Susan,  do  you  hear 

A  word  of  mine? 
Stop  your  everlasting  humming, 
For  the  minister  is  coming 

Here  to  dine. 

Joseph,  Joseph,  do  be  good, 
Go  and  get  some  kindling  wood, 
Hurry  up  ! 


THE  MINISTER  COMING  TO   DINNER. 


Johnnie,  take  yourself  away, 
Go  out  door  a  while  to  play 
With  the  pup. 

O,  whatever  shall  I  do  ! 
I  shall  crazy  go,  if  you 

Don't  keep  still  ! 
Put  away  the  water-dipper, 
I  shall  have  to  use  my  slipper — 

And  I  will ! 

Close  the  door  outside  the  hall, 
There,  the  babe  begins  to  squall, 

He's  up-stairs. 

Susan,  go,  he  needs  your  tending, 
Will  there  ever  be  an  ending 

Of  my  cares? 


There  !  I've  made  a  cake  and  pie  too, 
Though  the  children  seemed  to  try  to 

Act  like  sin. 

Some  one  rings  !     I  hope  he's  not  here- 
Pastor,  I  am  glad  you've  got  here. 

Walk  right  in. 


THE   IDEAL. 


Ideal. 

Fair  was  the  pictured  face  of  the  angel,  all  its  ex 
pression 

Told  of  a  sympathy  sweet ;  an  influence  holy,  in 
spiring, 

Seemed  to  pervade  the  air  around  the  wonderful 
picture. 

Purity,  tenderness,  love,  gentleness,  mercy,  for 
giveness, — 

All  were  expressed  in  the  face,  the  beautiful  face 
of  the  angel. 

Rapt  with  delight  the  artist  would  gaze  on  the  face 
he  had  pictured, 

Gaze  'till  all  was  forgotten,  seeing  naught  else  but 
the  angel, 

Feeling  the  beauty  expressed  till  his  soul  was  per 
vaded  with  glory. 

And  as  he  gazed  the  beauty  which  gleamed  in  the 
heavenly  features 

Seemed  in  his  own  sweet  face  to  find  its  perfect 
reflection. 

More  and  more  like  the  face  grew  the  artist,  till 
people  would  whisper, 

"  It  is  his  own  pure  face  the  artist  took  for  his 
model." 


96  WEARY. 


Weary  of  darkness,  and  dreading  the  light, 
O,  I  am  weary,  so  weary  to-night ; 
Weary  of  loneliness,  tumult,  and  strife  ; 
Weary  of  restlessness,  weary  of  life. 
Cloudy  and  desolate  night-shadows  fall. 
Lonely  and  dreary,  monotonous  all. 
Timidly  gleams  the  pale  moon  as  in  fright, 

0,  I  am  weary,  so  weary  to-night. 

In  the  dark,  lamp-bestarred  valley  below, 
Only  the  anguish  of  living  they  know; 
Restlessly  breathe  they  in  dream-disturbed  sleep  ; 
In  the  day-dawning  they  wake  but  to  weep. 
Lo,  in  the  distance,  star-watched  and  breeze-sung, 
Lies  a  still  city  the  sweet  flowers  among ; 
There  all  are  dreamlessly  sleeping  in  rest, 
Undisturbed,  care-free,  oh,  so  wondrously  blest; 
Out  of  the  loneliness,  anguish,  and  strife  ; 
Out  of  the  wearisome  struggle  of  life  ; 
Death  bade  the  sad  heart's  life-beating  to  cease, 
To  rest  in  that  beautiful  city  of  peace. 

1,  too,  would  sleep  'neath  the  violets  white, 
For  I  am  weary,  so  weary,  to-night. 


LUCY. 


Far  in  the  country  a  farmhouse  is  standing, 
Not  for  long  miles  is  another  house  seen  ; 

Flowers  and  vines  are  abundantly  twining, 
Daisies  are  dotting  the  meadows  so  green. 

Distantly  sounds  the  lowing  of  cattle, 

Answer  the  poultry  with  voices  too  shrill ; 

Far,  far  away  in  a  flock  close  together 
Sheep  can  be  seen  on  a  neighboring  hill. 

Down  by  the  gate  of  the  sturdy  old  farmhouse 
Stands  Farmer  Brown,  with  his  wife  by  his  side, 

Tender  and  strong  is  the  look  which  he  gives  her, 
As  when  first  he  glanced  at  the  face  of  his  bride. 

Placid  and  calm  is  the  face  of  the  woman, 

Plain  is  her  gown  of  calico  neat, 
On  her  white  hair  is  a  sunbonnet  resting, 

Under  the  bonnet,  a  face  good  and  sweet. 

"Seems   but   a  day/'    said   the   farmer's   voice 

thoughtful, 
"Since   with   her    school-books   we   sent   her 

away." 

"  Ah,"  said  the  wife,  her  eyes  beaming  tender, 
"  Yesterday  seems  she  a  child  at  her  play. 


Q8  LUCY. 

"  Now  she  is  grown  and  her  school-days  are  over ; 

Are  we  not  proud  of  our  daughter  so  dear? 
Hard  we  have  labored  to  give  to  her  learning ; 

She  will  repay  us  with  comfort  and  cheer." 

"  Aye,  so  she  should,"  said  the  farmer's  voice 
doubting, 

"  Yet  she  our  old  ways,  perhaps,  has  outgrown  ; 
She  may  be  tired  of  the  homely  old  farmhouse, 

And  leave  us  lonely  like  some  we  have  known." 

"  Lucy?     No,  father,  you  judge  her  unkindly, 
She  is  just  longing  to  reach  her  home-nest. 

She  will  return  our  rich  comfort  and  blessing. 
I  am  her  mother,  I  know  her  the  best." 

"  There  is  the  carriage,  I  see  her  hand  waving  ; 

Soon  will  I  fold  her  again  to  my  breast." 
Just  one  sad  thought  of  the  wide  world  behind  her, 

And  Lucy  returned,  like  a  bird  to  its  nest. 

"  Home  again  !  "  sunshine  the  place  is  o'erspread- 
ing, 

As  from  the  carriage  the  loving  child  flew, 
"  Father !     Oh,  mother !  in  all  the  world  over 

No  one  appears  half  so  lovely  as  you  ! 

"  Now,  little  mother,  sit  here  in  the  sunshine 

While  I  arrange  the  table  for  tea  ; 
You  are  to  rest  and  let  me  do  the  toiling, 

Quite  long  enough  you  have  labored  for  me. 


LUCY.  99 

"  How  sweet  the  flowers,  how  bright  gleams  the 
meadow, 

How  dear  and  homelike  seems  the  old  place  !  " 
And  like  an  emblem  of  sweet  peace  descending 

Falls  a  sweet  kiss  on  the  mother's  calm  face. 

Lucy,  then,  sunbeam-like,  hastened  to  duty, 
Lived  like  a  flower,  to  comfort  and  bless, 

Humble  and  beautiful,  seen  not  by  mortals, 
God  crowned  her  life  with  a  glorious  success. 

Wherever  the  sun  in  its  beauty  is  shining, 
Whether  in  city  or  wilderness  wild ; 

Where'er  the  rain  so  refreshing  is  falling 
There  is  a  God,  and  a  work  for  His  child. 


MARRIAGE. 


Two  souls  are  united  forever, 
Two  lives  as  one  life  have  begun, 

Two  beings  are  lost  in  each  other, 
Two  hearts  are  beating  as  one. 

Each  has  sacrificed  self  on  the  altar, 

An  angel  records  it  above  ; 
They  have  entered  the  "  Holy  of  Holies," 

In  the  beautiful  temple  of  Love. 


CHILDHOOD. 


Childhood. 

Hast  thou  not  seen 
A  lovely,  laughing  child  at  play? 
Before  an  unknown  land 
It  does  not  understand, 
With  curls  aglow  with  many  a  ray 
Of  sunlight  sheen, 

With  laughter  bright 
With  sparkling  eyes,  with  merry  voice, 
It  lives  but  for  to-day  ; 
Its  life  is  but  a  play. 
Ah,  all  who  see  it  must  rejoice 
At  such  a  sight. 

And  yet  before 

The  child  is  life  and  strife  and  sin  ; 
While  error  gives  commands 
Though  Truth  victorious  stands, 
We  tremble  as  we  gaze  within 
The  open  door. 

• 

Hast  seen  this  sight  — 
A  lovely,  thoughtful  child  at  prayer, 
Hallowed  with  a  light 
From  lands  exempt  from  night, 
While  beauty  chaste  has  touched  its  hair 
With  silvery  white? 


CHILDHOOD. 


With  smiles  of  peace 
With  gentle  voice,  with  love-lit  eyes, 
The  child  with  patience  waits  ; 
While  trust  illuminates. 
The  Friend  that  will  immortalize 
Will  give  release. 

The  life  before 

This  child  is  safe,  is  free  from  sin, — 
A  life  of  endless  youth, 
Life  of  divinest  truth  ; 
Ah,  heaven  itself  is  just  within 
The  open  door. 


A  PLEA  FOR  THE  FLOWERS.  103 


t    Plea   for    tfte    Blowers- 
Love  you  not  the  tender  flowers 
Blooming  on  this  earth  of  ours? 
Living  love  from  you  they  crave, 
They  will  follow  to  your  grave  ; 
All  their  life  they  freely  give. 
God  is  life,  and  flowers  live. 
Love  these  cheering  stars  of  day, 
Love,  oh,  love  the  flowers,  I  pray. 


THE  FOREST  GENIUS. 


forest    genius. 


Hush,  the  genius  of  the  forest 

Passes  through  the  woodland  there  ; 

I  can  hear  her  garments  rustle 
As  she  journeys  in  the  air. 

I  will  go,  and  hear  the  secret 
She  is  whispering  to  the  trees. 

I  can  follow,  for  her  footsteps 
Left  their  traces  in  the  breeze  — 

So  I  hastened  to  the  woodland, 
Silent  stood,  and  tried  to  hear  ; 

But  the  genius  of  the  forest 
Held  her  breath  as  I  drew  near. 

Then  I  passed  into  her  arbor, 
But  she  never  breathed  or  stirred  ; 

Loud  I  called,  a  mocking  echo 
Was  the  only  sound  I  heard. 

But  when  lingering  in  the  valley, 
Gathering  buds  and  flowers  fair, 

I  could  hear  her  gentle  whispers, 
As  they  trembled  in  the  air. 


WOODLAND  WHISPERS. 


If  you'll  bend  your  heart  to  nature, 

And  intensely  silent  keep, 
You  will  hear  sweet  woodland  whispers 

Sounding  from  the  forest  deep. 


io6  A   SHADOW. 


We  stood  by  the  seashore, 
My  sweetheart  and  I, 

A  dark  storm-cloud  quickly 
Passed  over  the  sky. 

The  ocean  reflected 
The  cloud  in  its  heart ; 

I  whispered,  "  Forgive  me, 
Forgive  me,  sweetheart." 

Then  tenderly,  softly, 

She  whispered,  "Forgiven." 
"See,  darling,  no  cloud 

Is  between  us  and  heaven  !  " 

Then  trusting,  yet  fearing, 
She  whispered  to  me, 

"  A  dark  line  of  shadow 
Is  left  on  the  sea." 


MOONBEAM   FANCIES. 


TWoonbeam    fancies. 

Have  you  never  in  the  moonlight 
Passed  a  lonely  grave-yard  by, 

When  the  stillness  seemed  oppressive  ; 
When  you  feared,  you  knew  not  why? 

Did  the  dim  and  drowsy  moonbeams 

Figure  to  your  fancy  light, 
While  your  fancy  shaped  the  moonbeams 

Into  ghostly  visions  white? 


xoS  PURSUED. 


Pursued. 

Rush  on,  push  on,  with  all  thy  might, 
Pursue  thy  work  with  vim, 
Strain  every  nerve  and  limb, 

For  soon  the  day  will  yield  to  night. 

Heed  not  thy  weary,  fevered  brow  ; 

Thy  work  must  all  be  done, 

The  victory  must  be  won, 
The  only  time  thou  hast  is  now. 

Then  on,  my  soul,  and  look  not  back, 
Dare  not  to  gaze  below, 
Where  shadows  tremble  so, 

And  countless  forms  are  on  thy  track. 

The  darkness  falls,  oppressive,  low, 
It  fills  the  heart  with  dread, 
The  burden  seems  like  lead. 

The  weary  way  thou  canst  not  go. 

Then  welcome  blissful  solitude, 

The  only  comfort  earned  ; 

For  now  thou  art  backward  turned. 
Ah  !  now  pursuer  is  pursued  ! 


INFIDELITY. 


Infidelity. 

Stand  in  soil  indifferent, 
Absorbing  drops  of  doubt, 

While  the  winds  of  carelessness 
Blow  your  thoughts  about. 

Close  the  windows  of  your  soul, 

Darken  every  one ; 
When  you  feel  the  sunlight, 

Shout,  "  There  is  no  sun  !  " 

Close  your  eyes  to  everything 

Beautiful  and  fair ; 
Do  not  touch  the  Bible, 

Never  breathe  a  prayer. 

See  your  brother's  faults  ; 

Never  know  your  own. 
Take  away  your  brother's  food  ; 

Laugh  to  hear  him  groan. 

Follow  these  directions 

And  you  soon  will  be 
Hopelessly  imbedded 

In  infidelity. 


LURLINE. 


Round  the  hall  like  graceful  fairies 
Glide  the  dancers  at  the  ball ; 

Only  one  alone  is  dreaming, 
Lurline,  fairest  of  them  all. 

Lurline  dreams  ;  the  sickly  odor 
Of  the  dancers'  rich  perfume 

Is  the  scent  of  sweet  wild  flowers  ; 
Like  a  meadow  seems  the  room. 

And  the  music  —  'tis  the  singing 
Of  the  birds  she  used  to  know 

As  she  danced  within  the  forest, 
In  her  childhood  long  ago. 

Now  the  hall  becomes  a  cabin 
Round  which  dandelions  bloom, 

Where  the  woodbine-curtained  windows 
Shade  the  sunlight  from  the  room. 

O  to  fly  from  gaslight  gleaming 

To  the  vision  of  her  dream, 
Where  the  autumn  leaves  and  sunbeams 

Fall  together  in  the  stream  ! 

Hush,  the  breathing  music  ceases, 
Lurline  must  from  dreams  awake ; 

She  must  smile,  she  must  be  merry, 
Even  though  her  heart  should  break. 


THE   ONLY   DEATH. 


Death. 


Tell  me,  mother,"  said  the  child, 
"  Why  is  the  Dead  Sea  dead?  " 
Because  it  receives  and  never  gives, 
The  mother  gently  said. 


BACCALAUREATE    HYMN. 


Baccalaureate 

Lord,  we  humbly  come  before  Thee, 
Pleading  for  Thy  care  divine  ; 

Hear  us,  Lord,  'tis  dark  without  Thee, 
Let  Thy  starlight  on  us  shine. 
"Child,  I  hear  thee  ; 

1,  the  Lord,  will  be  thy  light." 

Lord,  reveal  Thy  stars  of  promise, 
Teach  us  how  to  do  Thy  will ; 

When  misfortunes  cast  their  shadows, 
Keep  us  safe  from  every  ill. 
"  Peace  be  with  thee, 

Let  thine  heart  be  not  afraid." 

Grant  us,  Lord,  Thy  strength  and  blessing, 
Hold  our  hands  within  Thine  own  ; 

O,  forever  be  Thou  near  us, 
For  we  dare  not  walk  alone. 
"Lo,  forever 

1  am  with  thee,  child,  fear  not." 

Bates  College,  Lewiston,  CMe.,  1899. 


THE  MESSAGE. 


Long  I  puzzled  o'er  the  message, 

Many  weary  hours  I  spent 
Studying  God's  Word.     'Twas  darkness 

And  I  knew  not  what  it  meant. 

I  arose  and  labored  earnest  — 

Tried  to  do  my  very  best, 
And  at  night  I  was  so  weary 

When  I  lay  me  down  to  rest. 

Yet  I  knew  a  heart  was  lightened 

By  a  spoken  word  of  mine, 
And  I  knew  a  path  was  brightened 

By  a  gleam  of  light  divine. 

And  the  angels  hovered  o'er  me 
While  I  caught  sweet  notes  unheard  ; 

Then  I  understood  the  mystic 
Meaning  of  God's  Holy  Word. 


MOUNTAIN  AND   SEA  AIR. 


and    gea 


Are  you  sin-sick,  heavy  laden, 
Come  and  share  the  sunshine  bright, 

Breathe  the  air  of  heavenly  fragrance 
On  the  mountains  of  delight. 

Hasten,  then,  across  the  lowlands, 
Climb  the  mountain  slope  with  me, 

O,  the  scenery  is  glorious 
Which  we  from  the  top  may  see. 

Breathe  the  mountain  air  of  sweetness, 

'Tis  around  us  and  above, 
Mingled  with  the  sweet  sea-breezes 

From  the  ocean  of  God's  love. 


JOHN  AND    MABEL.  115 


John    and 

John  is  going  to  be  a  preacher,  to  be  something 

great  and  noble, 
He  is  poor,  'tis  true,  but  Mabel  eager  is  to  help 

along ; 
Mabel  is  his  wife,  and  proudly  will  she  watch  him 

in  his  progress, 

She  will  work  to  pay  expenses.     She  is  loving, 
smart,  and  strong. 

Washing,  ironing,  cooking,  mending,  anything  to 

earn  a  dollar, 
Never  owning  she  is  weary,  always  cheerful, 

always  bright, 
No  one  knows  her  heart's  recesses,  but  this  fact 

is  quite  apparent, 

John  desires  to  be  a  preacher :  his  desires  are 
her  delight. 

Study,  John,  but  with  your  knowledge,  study  well 

the  one  who  loves  you, 

Cherish  her ;  she  is  your  helpmeet ;  she  is  pa 
tient,  pure,  and  good, 
And  as  you  progress  in  knowledge,  take  her,  lead 

her  onward  with  you, 

Do  not  leave  her  gazing  at  you  from  her  land  of 
motherhood. 


n6  RAGGED    BETSEY. 


Ragged    getsexf. 

Uncle  John  came  home  at  Christmas, 

Bringing  presents  rich  and  new, 
And  among  his  other  treasures, 

Was  a  doll  for  little  Sue. 
Such  a  lovely,  lovely  dolly, 

With  complexion  white  as  milk, 
Cheeks  as  red  as  roses,  blue  eyes, 

Real  hair,  curling,  fine  as  silk. 

Little  Sue  was  wild  with  rapture, 

With  this  beauty  for  her  own, 
Ragged  Betsey  was  the  only 

Dolly  she  before  had  known. 
Betsey  now  sat  in  the  corner 

Very  still,  and  white,  and  sad, 
Looking  at  the  new  arrival, 

Which  her  little  mistress  had. 

Little  Sue  came  nearer  to  her, 

Holding  close  the  lovely  doll  : 
"O  you  homely,  ragged  Betsey, 

I've  no  use  for  you  at  all, 
For  I've  got  a  nicer  dolly ; 

Maybe  I'll  give  you  away, 
For  I'm  sure  this  little  lady 

Will  not  wish  with  you  to  play." 


RAGGED    BETSEY. 


Ragged  Betsey  heard  her  mistress  : 

Sadly  looked  she  straight  ahead  ; 
Not  a  smile  her  plain  face  lighted  ; 

Rope  hair  bristled  o'er  her  head. 
And  the  bright,  new  dolly  listened, 

Selfish,  pitiless,  and  cold; 
And  she  smiled  her  very  sweetest, 

While  her  soft  hair  shone  like  gold. 

All  day  long  poor  ragged  Betsey 

Sat  neglected  in  her  place, 
While  her  mistress'  sweetest  kisses 

Fell  upon  the  beauty's  face. 
Six  long  years  had  Betsey  served  her 

Little  mistress,  loyal,  true, 
And  'twas  hard  now  to  be  slighted, 

For  another  strange  and  new. 

All  day  long  poor  ragged  Betsey 
Sat  neglected  in  her  place, 

Looking  straight  before  her  sadly, 
Not  a  smile  upon  her  face. 


It  is  night.     The  stars  are  shining. 

Little  Sue  has  gone  to  rest. 
Ah —  'tis  little  ragged  Betsey 

She  is  clasping  to  her  breast. 


n8  BROTHERHOOD. 


J-Jrotberbood. 

I  saw  a  mansion,  splendid  to  behold. 

'Twas  lighted  brilliantly  one  winter  night, 
The  gaslight  gleamed  on  frames  of  burnished  gold — 
A  heaven   on   earth  it  seemed  to  wanderers' 

sight. 

No  fear  was  there  of  wintry  winds  and  cold 
Within  that  mansion,  in  that  golden  light. 
I  could  but  yield  my  heart  and  voice 
And  with  my  brother's  joy  rejoice. 

I  saw  a  cottage.     Through  the  windows  clear 

I  saw  a  mother  kiss  her  sleeping  child  ; 
A  stalwart  son  of  toil  was  standing  near — 

A  strong  and  tender  man,  who  bravely  smiled  ; 
While  he  could  work  for  those  he  loved,  no  fear, 
No  fear  of  winter's  cold  or  tempests  wild. 
Such  hopeful,  trusting  smiles  their  faces  had 
That  in  my  brother's  courage  I  was  glad. 

I  saw  an  attic  chamber ;  faintly  gleamed 

A  trembling  light.     I  saw  a  woman's  face, 
So  poor,  so  thin,  so  sad,  it  almost  seemed 

A  broken  heart  I  could  upon  it  trace. 
A  man  was  sleeping,  stupidly  he  dreamed, 

His  soul  was  clasped  in  Rum's  fierce,  foul  em 
brace, 

With  aching  heart  still  brotherhood  I  claimed, 
And  in  my  brother's  shame  I  felt  ashamed. 


MY  GOOD-NIGHT  PSALM.  119 


TVUf    Good-RigM    Psalm, 

PSALM    121. 

Shades  of  night  may  fall  around  me, 
But  to  me  can  come  no  harm. 

All  alone  with  Christ,  my  Saviour, 
I  will  read  my  good-night  psalm. 

I  will  look  above  earth's  creatures, 
Look  above  earth's  pain  and  sighs  ; 

To  the  hills,  to  Zion's  mountains, 
I  will  now  lift  up  mine  eyes. 

Strength  and  help  are  mine  forever, 

Of  whom  shall  I  be  afraid? 
My  help  cometh  from  Jehovah, 

Heaven  and  earth  by  Him  are  made. 

Never  shall  my  trust  be  shaken, 
God  o'er  Israel  watch  doth  keep, 

For  the  God  that  keepeth  Israel 
Cannot  slumber,  shall  not  sleep. 

I  am  safe,  He  is  my  keeper, 
Nothing  ere  can  me  affright, 

By  the  day  the  sun  he  ruleth, 
And  the  moon  he  rules  by  night. 


MY  GOOD-NIGHT   PSALM. 


God,  Jehovah,  shall  preserve  me, 

Good-night,  world  ;  come,  welcome  sleep. 

I  am  safe  now  and  forever, 
My  Creator  me  will  keep. 


AN   IMAGE. 


jp^n    Image. 

Beautiful  image  of  marble, 

Formed  with  precision  and  care, 

Perfectly  finished,  yet  lifeless  — 
Emblem  of  soulless  prayer. 


LILY  OF   THE  VALLEY. 


of  the 


Once  the  flowers,  now  lowly  bending, 
Were  with  conscious  beauty  raised, 

And  their  own  enticing  fragrance 
Day  by  day  the  lilies  praised. 

While  they  thus  were  softly  whispering, 
Happy  in  their  proud  content, 

Mary,  mother  of  our  Saviour 
Pure,  among  the  lilies  went. 

As  her  glance  with  gentle  wonder 
On  the  haughty  flowers  fell, 

Humbly,  modestly  before  her 
Bent  each  tiny  snowy  bell. 


SILENT  VOICES.  I23 


Silent 

In  the  stillness  of  the  shadow 
Many  a  time  my  soul  has  caught 

Whispers  sweet,  of  silent  voices. 

You  have  heard  them,  have  you  not? 


GENTLENESS. 


gentleness. 

The  north  wind  blew, 

And  wildly  threw 
The  snowflakes  in  a  pile. 

The  south  wind  stirred, 

Just  breathed  a  word, 
And  conquered  with  a  smile. 


MY  ANGEL.  12S 


TYlif 

(TO  HATTIE.) 

'Tis  all  in  vain  ; 
My  life  is  useless,  commonplace  ; 

Why  here  remain? 
The  mountain  pathway  I  will  trace 
Until  1  see  my  angel's  face. 

I  caught  the  gleam, 
A  robe  of  whiteness  over  there  — 

'Twas  not  a  dream  ; 
It  was  my  angel,  radiant,  fair, 
Then,  farewell,  drudgery  and  care. 

On  yonder  height 
Half-way  I'll  see  the  beauteous  form, 

My  angel  bright. 

I'll  hasten  through  the  raging  storm 
The  commonplace  he  will  transform 

To  heavenly  light. 
Ah,  all  is  darkness  where  I  climb  ; 

The  mountain  height 
Is  cold,  is  starry  and  sublime. 
Hark  !  I  can  hear  earth's  twilight  chime. 


126  MY  ANGEL. 


The  evening  bell 
Is  ringing  and  it  seems  to  say, 

"  In  valleys  dwell ; 

Descend  the  height;  each  hour,  each  day 
Each  duty  do."     I  will  obey. 

I'm  toiling  now 
With  earnestness.     The  drops  of  sweat 

Are  on  my  brow. 

'Tis  hard,  this  commonplace,  and  yet 
I  have  my  radiant  angel  met. 

The  angel  came 
To  me.     One  day  I  heard  a  voice, 

It  called  my  name  : 
"  While  daily  duty  be  your  choice, 
Behold  your  angel  and  rejoice." 

What  though  at  night 
I  am  so  weary?     List :  "  Well  done  !  " 

Near,  radiant,  bright, 
Gleaming  with  glory  like  the  sun 
My  angel  stands.     The  victory's  won. 


MY  LIFE'S   PURE  RIVER. 


TVllf    Life's    pure    Rh?er. 

THE  ANGEL. 

Heard'st  thou  that  sound,  that  tender,  reverent 

murmur 

Which  softly  o'er  the  silvery  waters  came? 
'Tis  that  which  thou   desired,  which  once   had 

cheered  thee, 

An  echo  of  thy  name. 

THE  POET. 

I  heard  not.     I  am  lost  in  dreams  of  beauty, 
In  glorious  dreams.     For  echo  of  my  name 
I  care  not  now ;  I  drink  of  Life's  pure  river, 
What  need  I  of  earth's  fame? 


128  HIS  LIKENESS. 


With  pictures  rare  I  filled  my  studio, 

With  worldly  landscapes,  castles,  faces  fair, 

And  yet  there  was  a  void  within  my  heart, 

My  pictures  had  no  radiance  divine. 

"  O  for  a  subject  which  can  satisfy  !  " 

My  heart  gave  utterance  no  sooner  than 

Within  my  studio  a  stranger  came. 

His  pleading  eyes  looked  tenderly  in  mine, 

I  felt  them  pierce  into  my  inmost  soul 

With  vision  loving,  purifying,  clear. 

He  spoke ;  his  voice  was  low  and  magical  : 

"  My  likeness  never  fails  to  satisfy. 

Make  ready  then,  receive  it  on  your  soul." 

I  gazed  upon  the  pictures  in  my  heart, 

Then  gazed  upon  the  stranger's  glowing  face : 

But,  ah  !  —  the  contrast — darkness  lost  in  light, 

Stars  lost  in  radiance  of  sunlight's  gleam. 

But  as  1  loved  the  pictures  I  had  wrought, 

Thus  I  addressed  the  loving,  anxious  guest : 

"  Go  for  to-day,  to-morrow  come  again." 

I  closed  my  eyes,  yet  felt  his  tender  glance 

Reproachful,  pleading,  burn  within  my  heart, 

As  silently  he  turned  and  left  me  there. 

My  eyes  were  opened  ;  he  had  disappeared. 

I  called  and  heard  the  echo  of  my  voice 

Within  my  empty  heart.     With  haste  I  rose, 


HIS   LIKENESS. 


Opened  wide  the  several  windows  of  my  soul 
And  threw  my  pictures  to  the  winds  of  earth, 
Then  bared  my  heart  before  the  air  of  heaven 
And  called  again,   "Come,  beauteous  stranger, 

come!" 

He  came  and  filled  each  chamber  of  my  heart, 
His  likeness  he  engraved  upon  my  soul ; 
Transfigured  all  my  countenance  with  joy, 
And  made  of  life  an  endless  dream  of  peace. 


1 30  PRAYER. 


prayer. 

There  is  no  language  for  the  voice  of  prayer. 

Be  silent;  kneel  in  adoration,  soul, 

And  feel  thy  prayer  received  in  God's  own  heart. 

Speak  not,  nor  move  ;  forget  thyself  and  all 

The  world  ;  pray  deeply,  silently  to  Him, 

And  listen,  listen  to  His  silent  voice. 

Ah,  oft  we  do  dishonor  God,  I  fear, 

In  talking  to  Him,  giving  Him  advice, 

And  all  but  Him  commanding,  when  He  knows, 

Before  we  ask,  of  what  we  most  have  need. 

And  no  good  thing  will  He  withhold  from  those 

Who  walk  uprightly  ;  'tis  His  promised  word. 

We  do  not  trust  Him  as  we  should,  I  fear ; 

We  do  not  listen  to  Him  as  we  should. 

We  do  not  pray,  I  fear,  with  listening  prayer. 


SEA  OF    THOUGHT. 


§ea    of 


Troubled,  troubled  are  the  waters, 
Black  the  clouds  are  overhead, 

When  the  sea  of  thought,  rebellious, 
Suddenly  gives  up  its  dead. 


i3a  THE    BEAUTIFUL  GARDEN. 


Beautiful    Garden. 

I  know  of  a  beautiful  garden 

Away  in  the  land  of  the  pure, 
Which  is  watered  by  clear,  living  fountains, 

Its  foliage  e'er  will  endure. 
There  peace  like  a  dove  is  descending, 

There  heavenly  beauties  abound, 
Its  air  is  the  purest  of  zephyrs 

And  angels  are  hovering  around. 

By  the  garden  a  river  is  flowing, 

Whose  depths  are  all  peaceful  and  clear 
Yet  shadows  brood  over  the  waters, 

And  darkest  reflections  appear 
To  glance  from  the  cold,  peaceful  surface, 

And  shrinking  we'd  shudder  to  dream 
Were  it  not  for  one  bright  star  of  morning, 

Which  gleams  from  the  heart  of  the  stream, 

Here  little  ones  linger  an  instant 

While  in  babyland's  beauty  they  sleep, 
But  soon  earth  awakens,  the  garden 

No  longer  has  power  to  keep. 
Then  out  in  the  regions  of  darkness, 

Forgetting  the  glories  of  day, 
And  blind  to  the  beauty  of  Eden, 

They  willfully  hasten  away. 


THE    BEAUTIFUL  GARDEN. 


Here  the  aged  are  peacefully  sleeping, 

And,  shade-embowered,  happily  dream, 
Awaiting  the  hand  of  an  angel 

To  beckon  them  over  the  stream 
Where  loved  ones  are  longing  to  greet  them. 

Where  glories  are  gleaming  afar ; 
Soon  trustingly  they  will  awaken, 

And  shine  in  the  light  of  the  star. 

O  cast  off  your  garments. of  darkness, 

And  put  on  your  garments  of  light, 
And  come  to  this  beautiful  garden 

Where  evil  is  powerless  to  blight. 
Come,  bathe  in  the  life-giving  waters, 

Come,  share  in  the  peace  of  the  blest, 
Be  born  in  the  garden  of  Eden, 

In  arms  of  Omnipotence  rest. 


i34  A    DREAM. 


R    Dream. 

One  night,  in  a  dream,  I  wandered 
Where  the  weeping-willows  wave  ; 

On  I  passed,  on,  on,  still  onward, 
Till  I  stood  beside  a  grave. 

O'er  the  grave  dark  shadows  glided, 
Somber  moved  they  to  and  fro. 

Then  a  spirit  stood  beside  me ; 

"  'Tis  your  grave,"  is  whispered  low, 

"  Tell  me  of  these  restless  shadows, 
What  are  they?  "     The  spirit  spoke, 

"  Duty  spurned,  departing,  left  there 
Shadows  bare."     Then  I  awoke. 


MAY   THIRTIETH. 


50tb. 


1  hear  the  marching,  the  music, 

I  see  the  noble  display, 
While  quivering  and  trembling  and  dying 

Are  the  beautiful  flowers  of  May. 


'36  KEEP  YOUR   HEART  WHOLE. 


Reep   Your    gearf 

There  once  was  a  maiden  who  had  a  big  heart, 
To  this  one  and  that  one  she  gave  a  small  part. 
At  last  came  a  lover  who  loved  her  with  soul, 
He  wanted  her  heart  and  he  wanted  it  whole.' 

Alas,  but  a  tiny  small  piece  had  she  kept, 
And  this  was  so  small  that  he  would  not  accept. 
Moral  :  your  heart  in  its  fulness  control, 
And  keep  your  heart  whole,  maiden,  keep  your 
heart  whole. 


IN   HEAVEN. 


Jn 

"  A  sound,  sweetly  faint,  trembles  gently,  intense, 

So  tenderly  breathes  in  my  ear ; 
So  lovingly  enters  the  music  of  heaven, 

What  is  it,  sweet  angel,  I  hear?" 

The  angel  replied,  "  To  the  loved  ones  on  earth, 

The  heart  ever  fondly  will  cling. 
'Tis  an  echo  of  earth  in  the  music  of  heaven, 

Eternal  that  echo  will  ring." 


FRAGMENTS. 


Fragments. 

With  shining  gold,  I  sought  for  friends  to  love. 
I  found   them    not.      With  knowledge,  friends  I 

sought, 

And  yet  was  friendless.     When  I  gained  a  heart 
Of  love  and  tenderness,  the  friendship  came 
Which  wealth  and  knowledge  never  could  procure. 

The  robes  of  pureness  which  are  worn  in  heaven 
Are  woven  in  earthly  looms.     We  gather  here 
The  jewels  for  our  crowns.     Each  kindly  deed, 
Each  loving  word,  each  smile,  are  feathers  white 
Which  fall  like  peace  on  troubled  souls.     At  last 
We'll  find  them  in  immortal  wings  of  joy. 

And  have  you  a  besetting  sin,  my  soul? 
Fear  not.     'Tis  powerless  to  you  control. 
Watch  closely,  guard  the  sin,  'twill  be  compelled 
To  do  a  guardian  angel's  holy  work. 

Around  us  sunshine  falls  in  manna  showers  ; 
Why  should  we,  then,  on  dismal  shadows  feed? 

I  closed  my  eyes  and  prayed  to  God  a  King, 
Almighty  in  his  power,  upon  his  throne. 
My  eyes  were  opened,  God  stood  by  my  side, 
A  loving  Father,  listening  to  his  child. 


FRAGMENTS. 


However  crushed  by  sin  the  human  heart, 

Howe'er  tumultuous  beat  the  angry  waves 

Of  doubt,  distrust,  and  hatred  of  the  good, 

Deep  in  the  inner  heart  a  Saviour  lies 

And  listens  for  a  call  to  calm  the  storm, 

And  to  the  troubled  waves  to  answer,  "  Peace." 

A  child  beside  a  rushing  river  stood 
And  cried  in  fear,  "  I  hear  the  lions  roar, 
I  am  afraid."     Her  father  heard  the  cry 
And  in  his  loving  arms  he  folded  her. 
"  Fear  not,  my  child,  father  is  here,  fear  not." 
With  trust  the  child  looked  in  her  father's  face, 
And  fearlessly  she  whispered,  "  Father  dear, 
How  beautiful  the  water-lilies  are." 

Within  the  upper  chamber  of  the  soul 
And  only  there,  we  hold  communion  sweet 
With  Jesus  Christ,  the  Saviour  of  the  world. 

Though  error-clouds  surround  you,  fear  them  not ! 
Just  flash  your  sunshine-searchlight  in  the  deep, 
Dark  caverns  of  your  error-clouded  soul. 

Ah,  oft  the  dreaded  burden,  oft  the  stone, 
Becomes  a  glorious  angel's  honored  throne. 

A  spirit  bound  with  chains  of  flesh  and  blood 
Can  never  be  content.  We're  spirits  now- 
Embodied  spirits,  never  satisfied. 


FRAGMENTS. 


For  blessings  given,  be  grateful,  never  proud. 
This  world  is  large,  but  has  no  room  for  pride, 
No  room  for  selfishness  or  unkind  thoughts. 

There's  nothing  can  so  elevate  the  soul 
As  honest  condescension.     Condescend. 

The  King  of  Angels  served  humanity. 
Not  for  himself  alone  would  he,  when  hungering, 
Make  bread  from  stones,  but  for  the  multitude 
He  used  the  power  divine.     He  came  to  serve, 
Not  to  be  served.     O  wondrous,  wondrous  truth  ! 
Art  saved,  my  soul?     Thou  art  saved  for  service 
then. 

The  heart  may  be  a  garden,  wherein  flowers 
May  grow,  with  fragrance  so  enticing,  sweet, 
That  souls  may  be  attracted  to  the  soil 
Wherein  such  pure  and  holy  flowers  grow. 

An  instrument  of  music  is  the  heart. 
Then  tune  it  carefully,  arrange  the  chords. 
The  voice  will  tell  when  it  is  tuned  aright. 

God  made  us  free ;  shall  we  enthrall  ourselves 
Within  the  bonds  of  angry,  envious  thoughts? 

Look  upward,  though  you  climb  not.     If  your  gaze 
Be  upward,  you  cannot  far  downward  go  ; 
And  like  a  magnet,  heaven's  power  divine 
Will  draw  you  upward,  up  to  heaven  itself. 


FRAGMENTS. 


Earth's  "  Well  done  !  "  is  the  measure  of  earth's 
fame. 

When  heaven  is  reached,  when  angel  voices  sing, 

"  Well  done,  well  done  !  "  then  fame  is  measure 
less. 

What,  then,  is  fame?  'Tis  but  the  words,  "  Well 
done!  " 

'Tis  but  a  shadow  bare,  and  is  unreal 
As  shadows  are  ;  and  how  can  one  surmise 
The  substance  from  the  shadow?     For  we  know 
That  often  fairest  objects  shadows  cast 
Which  are  most  gruesome.     Have  no  idle  fears. 

You  borrow  from  yourself  and  are  you  then 
Becoming  richer?     Nay,  but  poorer  far. 

How  still,  how  perfect  is  the  power  of  God, 
Which  shines   through  nature   and   upholds   the 

heavens ! 

Will  not  this  God  eternal  care  for  you? 
Be  daring,  trustful,  calmly  breathe  these  words  : 
With  conscious  power  is  leisure  infinite. 

A  Guest,  a  Saviour  hastens  to  your  heart. 
Come,  sweep  the  cobwebs  from  each  hidden  nook, 
And  put  the  rooms  in  order,  warm  the  place, 
And  make  it  fit  for  such  a  loving  Friend. 
Then  bid  Him  enter,  let  Him  reign  supreme, 
And  bid  Him  make  Himself  at  perfect  ease, 
And  feel  at  home  within  your  humble  heart. 


FRAGMENTS. 


Believe,  love,  and  obey  ;  in  these  three  words 
Is  comprehended  all  the  law  of  Christ. 

Ah,  all  around  are  pleading,  praying  souls 
Who  know  not  their  desires  are  all  fulfilled. 
And  all  around  are  starving  human  souls 
Who  sadly  starve,  believing  they  are  filled. 

The  eagle's  nest  is  built  so  far  above 

The  world,  it  fears  no  evil  from  below. 

Somehow  the  eagle's  nest  reminds  me  of 

The  spirit's  home,  earth-bound  in  sight  of  heaven. 

Hast  toiled  all  night,  and  seem'st  thy  labor  lost? 
"  Fear  not,  launch  out,  launch  out  into  the  deep." 
Whose  voice  was  that?    It  was  the  Master's  voice, 
The  morning  dawns  ;  thy  work  is  not  in  vain. 

A  night  of  sorrow  brings  the  dews  of  grace. 
Art  sorrow-burdened?     Heavy  is  thy  heart? 
Thy  soul  is  still  unconquered.     Heaven  and  God 
Are  best  discerned  through  tears  and  suffering.. 
The  bitter  chalice  draught  will  bring  thee  strength  ; 
The  angels  linger  in  Gethsemane. 
The  crown  of  thorns  becomes  a  wreath  of  light; 
For  every  Calvary  cross  an  Olivet. 
For  every  place  of  crucifixion  there 
A  resurrection  waits.     Thy  burden  bear. 
Some  flowers  their  sweetest  incense  give  when 
crushed. 


FRAGMENTS. 


I  met  a  duty  in  my  path  one  day. 

I  stepped  upon  it,  did  not  lift  it  up, 

But  left  it  in  the  path.     A  brother  passed 

That  selfsame  way  and  found  a  stumbling-block. 

Christ  touches  thee.     "  Arise,  be  not  afraid." 
Hast  seen  the  vision?     Thou  art  honored,  soul, 
But  linger  not  in  reverent,  rapturous  awe. 
Christ  touches  thee.     Forget  thyself,  see  Him, 
See  Jesus,  Jesus  only,  let  him  lead 
Thee  from  the  mountain  to  humanity. 

The  universe  a  melody  sublime  — 

The  melody  evoked  by  God  Himself  — 

The  "  music  of  the  spheres  ''  in  perfect  tune, 

With  notes  within  the  heart  and  mind  of  man. 

God  saw  the  melody  of  earth  was  good 

And  rested  from  the  work  which  he  had  made. 

There  must  be  silent  places  in  the  song; 

There  must  be  rests  in  life  for  melody. 

Be  quiet,  be  harmonious,  and  rest. 

Wouldst  dwell  in  Eden?     Know  the  peace  sublime 

Of  walking  with  the  angels  and  with  God, 

In  restful,  holy  silence?     Then  return. 

The  beauteous  garden  waits  for  man's  return. 

Your  home  is  Eden  while  your  heart  is  pure. 

If  we  could  put  ourselves  in  place  of  those 
We  judge,  our  judgments  would,  I  think, 
Be  much  more  full  of  mercy  than  they  are. 


TO  THE  READER. 


^o   the    Reader. 

O  it  were  joy  to  know  one  word  of  mine 
Had  cast  one  ray  of  light,  had  cheered  one  soul, 
O  tell  me,  lonely  heart,  and  tell  me  now, 
If  any  word  of  mine  has  brought  you  peace. 
Aye,  tell  it  o'er  and  o'er.     'Twill  be  a  star 
To  light  me  on  my  way  ;  'twill  be  a  flower 
To  cheer  the  lonely  path  in  which  I  stray. 
We  do  not  fear  too  many  stars  or  flowers. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 
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Return  to  desk  from  which  borrowed. 
This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


LD  21-100m-7,'52(A2528sl6)476 


Thayer,  Wil 

die. 

T373 
car 

Carbon. 

M191914 


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